What Can We Learn From Kelly Clarkson?

Did we even know that Kelly Clarkson was married to Reba McEntire’s former stepson, Brandon Blackstock? I love this country-western singer dynasty….well, they’re divorcing. And, it’s messy.

Clarkson filed for divorce in June of 2020, citing irreconcilable differences which seemed to have continued afterwards LOL. The two have contested everything, from assets to their prenuptial agreement. Clarkson ultimately won when the judge ruled in her favor that their original prenup agreement did, indeed, stand. Reportedly, all incomes and assets generated during their marriage were to be segregated based on who brought what in, in the event of a divorce.

Don’t count him out just yet, Blackstock had himself a few wins. While the battle over the Montana family ranch was ongoing, it was reported that Blackstock received $45,000 per month in child support and $150,000 per month in spousal support. Additionally, Clarkson was ordered to pay the majority of their children’s private school tuition. Let’s not cry for either of them LOL, Clarkson is purported to earn around $1.5 million each month from her various streams of income.

So, what can we learn from this former couple and their public spat?

We can learn that a prenuptial agreement is one document that should be drafted by a family attorney. I would recommend that the attorneys that handle divorces draft the prenuptial (and postnuptial) agreements exclusively, as they are the most familiar with the nuances of these agreements. As we’ve learned, not all agreements are created equal and the prenuptial agreement, to be valid, must adhere to several requirements per Fla Sta 61.079, however, the devil lies in the details. In this particular regard, it’s best to go to an expert in the field of prenuptial agreements. This is not the time to look for a bargain or try to save a shekel or two, this is the time to get an agreement that will be valid and binding.

We can also learn that sometimes the apple does fall far from the tree. I long suspected that Kelly was in the marriage to get close to her icon, Reba. We’ll never know, but it’s fun to ponder….