On July 21, Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom officially signed divorce papers. Still, as Kardashian says in a recent interview with Complex magazine, Odom is “going to always be that person,” proving that divorce is never an easy situation.
Kardashian Speaks About Divorce
The Kardashian-Odom divorce has been a hot topic for a while, namely due to the fact that though it was inevitable, it seemed as if it would not actually happen due to the fact that Odom could not be located.
The two were wed in 2009, just a month after first meeting. The two began having issues when Odom relapsed with his substance abuse problem and then cheated on Kardashian.
Despite the fact that Kardahsian,31, filed on September 13, 2013, the divorce was still not finalized until recently because she could not proceed without the basketball star’s signature.
In September, Life&Style magazine reported that both Khloe and Lamar had received a notice from The Superior Court of California County “alerting both Lamar and Khloe that their divorce is not complete — and once again, she didn’t respond.”
Typically, when that happens, a court will issue a status conference, during which a couple is asked to decide if they will continue with the divorce proceedings.
Status Conference
Once you have initially filed for divorce, the Court sends out a “Notice to Appear” at a Status Conference. This date is usually scheduled 3-5 months following the filing of the Petition for Dissolution. Both parties, as well as their attorneys, are required to appear at the Status Conference. The judge then asks for a status on the divorce. If you have representation, they will provide the judge with a brief report. You attorney may also request that deadlines regarding procedural issues be set.
What if You Don’t Appear at the Status Conference?
If you and your spouse do not show up at the Status Conference, the Court will then send you a second Notice To Appear. If you miss this second Status Conference, the judge is able to dismiss your case, on the assumption that you no longer wish to get divorced. If you do want to get divorced, you will need to start the six-month process again, which also means paying filing fees again.
Khloe and Lamar
As of April, it was still unclear what was happening with the reality star’s divorce. Despite the fact that it was 16 months after the initial filing, and the fact that there was no response from Odom, Kardashian had still not moved to get a default divorce judgement.
A default divorce judgement can occur if a respondent does not file his or her response within 30 days of receiving the petition. At that time, the petitioner can obtain a “default” divorce by filing court forms for judgment, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. No trial is necessary.
Additionally, if you cannot locate your spouse and are seeking divorce, you are able to do so by filing a divorce by publication.
Finally Divorce Finalized
Now it seems the couple has finally finalized their divorce. According to documents filed last week, the reality star and basketball player have reached an agreement. All a judge needs to do is sign off.
Khloe Speaks About Divorce
Kardashian recently sat down with Complex magazine for their August/September issue to speak about what’s next for her, but also how she feels about Odom.
“I talk to Lamar as often as I can, which is inconsistent, but not on my terms,” Kardashian said. “When you genuinely feel like that was the right relationship, you’re supposed to give it all you can. That’s what marriage is about. It’s not, ‘Let’s see if it works, if not we always have divorce.’ I am not one of those girls. You took a vow before God and you’re supposed to abide by that.”
The interview happened before the papers were officially signed. Kardashian maintained she wasn’t “rushing” the divorce because she wasn’t “looking to get married tomorrow.”
“Lamar is genuinely one of the best people I’ve ever met, and everyone says that when they meet him. I think Lamar’s going to always be that person [for me] but that’s what made it so special,” she said. “Even if I had it for five years or whatever, it was the best ever and I’m grateful I did. Some people don’t get that ever and I had that magic for a long time.”
She went on to say that she misses Odom “every day.”
“I miss what we had – things we got to do together are just memories. I like looking back and holding on to that stuff,” she said. “I definitely miss it, and there’s times I’ll get so sentimental and so sad, but this had to happen for some reason. I’ll figure it out over time, someone will give me that answer eventually.”
Moving on After Divorce
Divorce is an emotional process and no two divorces are alike.That means your best friend’s divorce will not be like yours. Because of this, it can be hard to get a full picture on what divorce is. Working with a divorce attorney to help ease the division of marital property, child custody, and spousal support issues. But a lawyer will only be able to focus on the legal issues (as they should). Meanwhile, your therapist will focus on the emotional issues (as they should). While both of these professionals will be able to dive into their specific roles, they will not be able to switch places. So lawyers might not see underlying motivations of your ex. And your therapist will not be able to help you decide to settle the complex financial regulations of dividing up property. Your family and friends, are also not your therapist or your attorney. What they can offer is support, but be wary of taking any advice. You can consult the internet, wade through hours of self-help books, or meetings, but there is no “one stop shop” when it comes to your divorce.
Working with a Divorce Attorney
Regardless of fame or fortune, divorce is a difficult process, but one that can be aided by the help of a divorce attorney. There are many aspects of a marriage that must be decided, including child custody, marital property, and alimony. Working with a divorce attorney is a way to make the process smoother. If you’re considering divorce, you should also consider a divorce attorney like the ones at Law Offices of Korol and Velen, Certified Family Law Specialists.