Actor’s family law issues highlighted as wife heads for divorce

Actor’s family law issues highlighted as wife heads for divorce

Actor Pablo Schreiber, recently known by some television viewers for his portrayal of a corrupt corrections officer in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” is now facing trouble in his personal life.

According to some online sources, the actor’s wife of 6 years, Jessica, filed for legal separation before Christmas, citing irreconcilable differences. Jessica Schreiber, who works as a yoga instructor, is seeking full physical custody of the couple’s two children, a 5-year-old boy and a 22-month-old girl. She is willing, however, to allow Pablo visitation rights or share custody with him so that he will be able to maintain a relationship with his children. She has also asked for spousal support, but the amount requested has not been disclosed, although she has requested that the court reject any offer the actor makes before they negotiate.

Spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance, is intended to provide one spouse with the financial means to get back on their feet after the divorce. It is most commonly awarded to a spouse who has been dependent on the other spouse financially, and will have to be financially self-sufficient after the couple splits. Courts consider a number of factors in setting the amount of the monthly payment, but the goal is to allow the lower earning spouse time to get the education and experience necessary to rejoin the work force.

In making child custody determinations, Illinois courts look to the best interests of the child. Usually that means having a relationship with both parents, although one parent may have sole physical custody and the other visitation rights.

In Illinois, like elsewhere in the country, any family law issue such as child custody, property division and request for alimony should be handled carefully. To do so, any divorcing couple should seek guidance from a qualified and experienced Rolling Meadows divorce attorney.

Source: Huffington Post, “‘Orange Is The New Black’ Star Pablo Schreiber Legally Separates From Wife,” Jan. 3, 2014