Contentious Divorce Between Frank and Jamie McCourt Leaves Fate of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Question

By Sheryl Rentz on April 27, 2011

The divorce between Frank and Jamie McCourt involves not only millions of dollars, seven homes, and large demands of spousal support, but also the ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most famous baseball teams in the United States. The couple has been married for 30 years.

According to The Telegraph, Jamie McCourt alleges she is a co-owner of the Dodgers and disagrees with Frank McCourt’s claim that she signed her rights away to the baseball team in exchange for the seven homes owned by the couple. In addition to half the share in the team she also wants close to $1 million a month in spousal support to maintain her lifestyle, and also wants Frank McCourt to pay $568,000 a month on the mortgages on their homes. She is also asking for $9 million to pay for her accountants and divorce attorneys. Jamie McCourt is also demanding 24-hour security at the homes as well as unlimited travel expenses, as well as her old job at the Dodgers back. Before last fall, Jamie McCourt served as the team’s chief executive.

Jamie McCourt’s divorce filings state the couple’s worth is approximately $1.2 billion, with the majority of it in property. The figure includes $800 million for the Dodgers. Frank McCourt alleges he earns just $5 million per year and has offered her $150,000 per month. He also believes she should sell some of their property as well as tap into their liquid assets, estimated to be worth $11 million, in order for her to maintain her lifestyle.

Recently, Bud Selig, Commissioner for Major League Baseball (MLB), took over operations of the Dodgers and appointed Tom Schieffer, former U.S. ambassador to Japan and Australia, to stabilize the baseball team’s finances. The McCourt divorce case is further complicated by the fact that News Corp.’s Fox lent Frank McCourt $30 million recently to meet the team’s payroll.

Philadelphia high-profile divorce attorney Sheryl R. Rentz has extensive experience in divorce litigation, as well as other family law matters, including property division, pre-marital agreements, spousal support, and issues of child custody. If you are facing divorce in Pennsylvania, call 610-645-0100 to find out how The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz can assist you during this difficult time.