While divorce is not always complicated, when it becomes complicated, it becomes very complicated. This is because divorce effects all aspects of one’s life, including our children and business interests. A prime example of this is currently happening in the divorce between Kelly Clarkson and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
The complicated example
Allegedly, at some point, Ms. Clarkson made a verbal contract with her estranged husband’s father, Narvel Blackstock, and his management company, Starstruck Management Group to give them 15% of her gross earnings. While the details of this verbal agreement are in contention, they were to either act as her agent or provide some kind of management services. However, now that Ms. Clarkson is seeking divorce from Mr. Blackstock’s son, two cases are pending as a result.
The Blackstock case
Mr. Blackstock and his management company claim Ms. Clarkson owes them $1.4 million now and at least $5.4 million by the end of 2020 in unpaid commissions. They claim that Ms. Clarkson is only fighting them because she is trying to gain an advantage in her divorce from Mr. Blackstock’s son. Of course, it could also be argued that the case is only pending because of that divorce as well.
The Clarkson countersuit
On Oct. 20, Ms. Clarkson filed a labor petition to invalidate the alleged verbal agreement, if one can be proven. She, essentially, argues that the agreement is void because Mr. Blackstock and Starstruck Management Group violated California Labor Code by never acquiring a talent agency license.
What can we learn?
Of course, as a Texas native, Sweetwater residents should care about Ms. Clarkson. However, the key takeaways from this case is that divorce can touch on so many aspects of our lives, and it can cause issues outside of our immediate relationships. It can fracture personal and business relationships with family and friends as well, which is why it is so important to contact a divorce attorney immediately. Family law is seldom easy, but it is always complicated.