The decision to divorce in Arizona and elsewhere is often a painstaking one made over months, if not years. While the absence of minor children might make it easier, even in those circumstances it takes most people a good while to be certain of what it is that they wish to do. Kim Kardashian raised eyebrows last year when she decided to divorce NBA star Kris Humphries after a marriage of a little more than two months. For entirely different reasons, reality TV star Evelyn Lozada quickly decided to call it quits with NFL star Chad Johnson (formerly known as Chad Ochocinco) after only 41 days.
Domestic violence is said to be at the root of Lozada’s decision to divorce. Reportedly, she discovered a receipt for the purchase of condoms and addressed it directly with the Dolphins star while they were out for dinner. As they arrived back home, the argument continued and allegedly culminated in Johnson head-butting Lozada in their driveway. A 911 call resulted in a trip to the hospital for Lozada and an arrest for Johnson. He was released by the Dolphins the next day, and the scheduled September 3 start of a VH1 reality series called “Ev and Ocho” was held back.
It was reported that a prenuptial agreement exists. Lozada has reportedly asked only that her legal fees be paid. She has also indicated that domestic violence is not acceptable and offered herself as an example to women suffering in silence. Initial reports indicated Lozada may have needed stitches to close her wound. For his part, Johnson reiterated his love for his wife and said he would let the legal process run its course.
When a marriage runs off the tracks so quickly in Arizona or another jurisdiction, the financial issues may seem less significant. The terms of any prenuptial agreement were not disclosed, and it is not known what income either party generated in the brief period they were together. Their representatives will presumably apply the prenup to any income earned by either party and settle the issue of legal fees raised by Lozada. While it is likely that neither party contemplated such a short union, their foresight in executing a prenuptial agreement may speed the way to a quick resolution of their rapid divorce.
Source: abc15.com, “Rep: Evelyn Lozada files for divorce from Chad Johnson,” Aug. 14, 2012
