“Divorce Corp.”: What’s Missing From This Picture?
Family Law and Mediation Attorney Los Angeles
by Vanessa Soto Nellis
818.907.3274
Let’s face the facts: For most people, divorce is ugly. But let’s not make it uglier than it has to be.
Case in point, Divorce Corp., a film currently in theaters, whose creators are calling it a documentary, depicts the worst possible case scenarios of family law. One of the movie’s trailers begins with a voiceover that states, “Death is easier than divorce.” That sounds more like melodrama than a documentary.
Another trailer talks about false claims of domestic violence and other crimes, so false accusers can gain financially, or have their spouse thrown out of the house.
The problem with this film is that it only depicts the negative aspects of family law court. There was not one example of a family law litigant who was helped by the family law system. Such examples exist. I recently attended a volunteer appreciation lunch hosted by the Van Nuys Judicial Officers, which recognized the many programs implemented by volunteer attorneys and the countless hours they spend helping people through the legal system.
A Variety reviewer, Justin Chang, says Divorce Corp. is:
…a vigorous but clumsily argued expose of the corrupt family-court practices that have turned one of life’s more painful experiences into a $50 billion-a-year industry. Chock-full of slick graphics, smart talking heads, one-sided emotional appeals and flailing accusations of judicial misconduct…
Yes, divorce is expensive, and maybe it is a $50 billion industry when you consider that half of all marriages in the nation end up in divorce.
This film however, fails to take into account certain facts, and that many couples are able to settle their divorce through mediation. Or that most spouses don’t resort to framing their partners for crimes they didn’t commit. Yes, there are hurt feelings and some people are vengeful. Not many people wind up in jail or lose their children, just because their marriage went awry.
The one lesson we all can take from this film is this:
Stay reasonable and be willing to compromise. If you can stay reasonable, you can participate in divorce mediation proceedings, eliminating the need to fight over custody or money.
Vanessa Soto Nellis is a Shareholder in our Family Law Practice Group. Contact her via email: vnellis@lewitthackman.com.