blog home High-Profile Divorce Why Celebrities Get Divorced in California (and Why It’s Different in Illinois)

Why Celebrities Get Divorced in California (and Why It’s Different in Illinois)

By Nottage and Ward on May 16, 2025

When celebrity divorces dominate headlines, from high-stakes settlements to revelations of lavish lifestyle, it’s easy to assume that’s how divorce works everywhere. But many of those high-profile breakups play out under California divorce laws, which are very different from the laws in Illinois.

If you’re considering divorce in Illinois and wondering how your experience may compare to the celebrity-style splits in Los Angeles, it’s essential to understand how California vs. Illinois divorce laws diverge, especially when it comes to asset division, spousal support, and the broader legal philosophy behind each state’s system.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we focus exclusively on family law in Illinois, bringing over 35 years of experience to high-net-worth and complex divorce cases. So we know how the laws in Illinois differ from those making headlines out West, and we’re here to help you understand what you need to know as a client navigating divorce in the Prairie State.

Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution

The most significant difference between California and Illinois divorce laws stems from how each state classifies and divides marital assets.

California: A Community Property State

In California, any income, property, or debt acquired during the marriage is generally split 50/50 between spouses. This is based on the community property model, which views both spouses as equal owners of marital assets.

While exceptions can apply (such as prenuptial agreements or inheritances), courts typically divide assets straight down the middle.

This approach is simple in theory but can lead to dramatic outcomes, especially in celebrity cases involving vast estates, royalties, or entertainment contracts.

Illinois: An Equitable Distribution State

Illinois follows an equitable distribution model, which means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers multiple factors, such as:

• Duration of the marriage
• Contributions of each spouse (financial and non-financial)
• Economic circumstances post-divorce
• allocation of parental responsibilities for the child
• Wasteful or reckless dissipation of assets

This framework gives Illinois courts greater flexibility and nuance, which is especially important for complex marital estates involving businesses, investments, or varied income streams.

If you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or high-earning spouse in Illinois, it’s critical to work with attorneys who understand how to advocate for a truly equitable (and defensible) division under Illinois law.

Different Approaches to Spousal Support

California’s Approach

In celebrity divorces, spousal support frequently becomes a headline issue. In California, temporary spousal support is often calculated using standardized formulas. Long-term support is guided by multiple statutory factors, but California courts have a reputation for awarding generous support, especially after long marriages.

Some high-profile divorces, such as those involving actors or musicians, also include lifestyle-based awards, reflecting the standard of living during the marriage.

Spousal Maintenance in Illinois

Illinois uses a formula-based approach as well, but as incomes exceed certain caps, it becomes more likely that the court may deviate from the formula. When a couple’s combined incomes are below $500,000 per year, the current calculation considers each party’s income and applies specific percentages to determine the amount and duration of maintenance. Courts also assess whether the formula should be deviated from based on individual circumstances.

Illinois tends to be more structured and restrained in its awards compared to California, particularly in cases where both parties have independent earning potential or significant premarital assets.

Privacy in Divorce: A Major Contrast

Celebrities often face intensely public divorces in California. Despite efforts to file confidentially or use private judges, court records in California are generally public. This means personal details, financial disclosures, and disputes regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities can be exposed to media scrutiny.

Illinois offers opportunities to enhance discretion:

• Parties may use mediation or collaborative divorce to keep proceedings private
• Judges can order certain records sealed
• Negotiated settlements, rather than litigated rulings, reduce public exposure

For professionals, business owners, and individuals concerned with reputation, Illinois courts provide more tools to maintain confidentiality, which is a major advantage over the more media-saturated California system.

Large Assets and Complex Estates

High-profile couples often have to account for earnings from multiple streams, such as residuals, endorsements, real estate holdings, or creative intellectual property. These factors can complicate asset division in community property states like California, where even speculative or long-term royalties can be split equally.

In Illinois, equitable distribution laws require divorcing couples to evaluate:

• Asset liquidity
• Future earning potential
• Asset contribution origin (was it inherited, gifted, or co-invested?)
• Business valuation methods
• Impact of dividing versus awarding full ownership with financial offsets

If you’re involved in a divorce with unique holdings, such as stock options, private equity, trust income, or professional practices, Illinois law allows for strategic structuring of division to preserve business integrity and long-term financial viability.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we often bring in forensic accountants and valuation experts to support your case and make sure your side of the story is clear, credible, and well-documented.

What You Can Learn from California Celebrity Divorces

Even though Illinois courts work differently, there are still valuable takeaways from celebrity divorces:

• Timing matters: Filing at the right time can impact property division, especially if assets are in flux.
• Prenuptial/postnuptial agreements can make a big difference: Many celebrities rely on strong marital agreements. High-net-worth individuals in Illinois should consider doing the same.
• Privacy should be prioritized: Leaks can damage reputations. Work with attorneys who value discretion.
• Professional legal and financial teams matter: Top legal counsel, financial advisors, and valuation experts are not just for celebrities. They’re critical for anyone with a complex estate.

When comparing divorce law, Illinois gives individuals more control over outcomes, particularly when working with the right legal team. California’s community property rules and high-profile cases often steal the spotlight, and Illinois offers a framework that supports fairness, discretion, and complexity.

Whether you’re a business executive, medical professional, or public figure, understanding how Illinois equitable distribution laws work—and how they differ from California’s—can help you protect your assets, your privacy, and your future.

Speak With an Experienced Illinois High-Asset Divorce Lawyer Today

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we offer strength, sensibility, and deep knowledge of Illinois family law to high-net-worth individuals facing divorce. We don’t just understand the law—we know how to apply it effectively to safeguard your interests.

Call our Chicago high-asset divorce attorneys at (312) 332-2915 to learn more today.