Lessons from the Momoa-Bonet Divorce – for Texans

Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet’s divorce became final last week. People often wonder how a non-celebrity divorce compares to a celebrity divorce. There are also good lessons for anyone going through a high-profile divorce. In this article, we will take a look at the Momoa-Bonet for lessons about the divorce process itself. As Texas divorce lawyers, we’ll be discussing how the process would work in Texas.

Momoa-Bonet Origin Story

Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet are both well-known actors in Hollywood, with Momoa gaining widespread fame for his roles in “Game of Thrones” and as Aquaman in DC films, while Bonet is best known for her role as Denise Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” and its spinoff “A Different World.” The couple reportedly met through mutual friends in 2005 at a jazz club in Los Angeles, where they instantly connected and began their relationship.

Timeline of the Momoa-Bonet Divorce

The two reportedly separated on October 7, 2020, their third wedding anniversary, which they announced in January of 2022.

• January 8, 2024 – Lisa Bonet officially files for divorce.
• January 9, 2024 – The terms of the divorce settlement were reached.
• July 9, 2024 – The divorce became final after California’s mandatory six-month waiting period.

Texas Perspective

In Texas, our minimum waiting period for a divorce is 60 days from the date of filing, significantly shorter than California’s six-month rule. However, most Texas divorces take between 6 to 12 months to finalize, depending on the case’s complexity and the level of agreement between parties. It’s worth pointing out that even though the terms of the Momoa-Bonet divorce were agreed upon the day after filing, the mandatory waiting period still had to be followed. The same is true in Texas. Even if you have an uncontested divorce, you have to wait the mandatory 60 days before the court can finalize your divorce.

Settlement Details

The divorce settlement included several key components:

• Child Custody: Joint legal custody of their two children, ages 16 and 15
• Child Support: No formal child support arrangement; agreement to share living expenses
• Spousal Support: Both parties waived rights to spousal support
• Asset Division: Agreed upon division of assets without dispute
• Travel Expenses: The parent traveling with the children is responsible for expenses during trips

Texas Perspective

In Texas, we use the term “conservatorship” instead of custody. Joint managing conservatorship (similar to joint legal custody) is presumed to be in the child’s best interest unless proven otherwise.

While Momoa and Bonet agreed to share expenses without formal child support, in Texas, child support is typically required and calculated based on the non-custodial parent’s income. However, the court may approve a different arrangement if both parties agree and it’s in the children’s best interest.

Spousal support (called “spousal maintenance” in Texas) is less common and has specific eligibility requirements. It’s typically limited in duration and amount.

Asset division in Texas follows community property laws, meaning assets acquired during marriage are typically split 50/50, though courts can deviate for a “just and right” division.

Basis for Divorce

The official reason cited for the divorce was “irreconcilable differences.” In their public statement, the couple alluded to personal growth and societal changes as factors in their decision to separate.

Texas Perspective

In Texas, we use “insupportability” as grounds for divorce, which is similar to California’s “irreconcilable differences.” This is our no-fault option and is the most commonly used ground for divorce in Texas. We also have fault-based grounds such as cruelty, adultery, and abandonment, but these are less common and not necessary to obtain a divorce.

Impact on Children

The divorce settlement prioritized the well-being of their children:

• Joint legal custody ensures both parents have equal say in important decisions
• Shared living expenses without formal child support suggests flexible financial arrangements
• The couple emphasized their commitment to co-parenting and maintaining family bonds

Texas Perspective

Texas courts prioritize the best interests of the child in all decisions. While joint managing conservatorship is common, the specifics of possession schedules and decision-making rights can vary. Texas has standard possession orders, but parents can agree to customize arrangements that better suit their family’s needs.

Navigating a High-Profile Divorce

• Private Resolution: Resolving major issues privately before filing can lead to a smoother, faster process. In Texas, collaborative divorce can be an attractive option to keep things out of the public arena.
• Amicable Approach: Maintaining a cordial relationship can facilitate quicker settlements and better outcomes for children. Of course, we have handled local celebrity divorces that could not be resolved amicably, but it is always worth a discussion if there’s an interest in keeping your name out of the news.
• Flexibility: Some couples find that customizing arrangements (e.g., shared expenses instead of formal child support) works well.
• Legal Preparation: Having all documents and agreements ready before filing can expedite the process.
• Public Handling: For high-profile couples, a joint statement can help manage public perception and protect privacy. Our office is uniquely equipped to handle media coverage with a former Star-Telegram reporter (with hundreds of reporter contacts), ensuring we manage public perception.

Texas Perspective

These lessons apply equally in Texas. While our laws may differ in some respects, the benefits of amicable resolution, thorough preparation, and prioritizing children’s well-being are universal. In Texas, we encourage mediation and collaborative law processes to help couples reach agreements outside of court, which can lead to faster, less expensive, and more satisfactory outcomes.

The Momoa-Bonet divorce demonstrates that even complex, high-profile separations can be handled swiftly and amicably when both parties are prepared and cooperative. Their approach to maintaining family bonds and prioritizing their children’s well-being while allowing for personal growth could serve as a model for others facing similar life transitions, both in California and Texas.