Frank McCourt Asks Judge to Lower Spousal Support Payments Owed to Jamie McCourt

By Sheryl Rentz on July 19, 2011

Frank McCourt, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, recently made a request to a judge that the spousal support payments he is giving to his ex-wife Jamie McCourt be reduced, according to USA Today. The contentious McCourt divorce involves the Dodgers’ ownership. A hearing is scheduled for early August.

Court documents show that Frank McCourt has paid over $5 million over the past year for the mortgages of a condominium and six homes, in addition to approximately $2.7 million he paid in temporary spousal support to Jamie McCourt. He believes the payments should reflect the $5 million he allegedly receives every year, and that his ex-wife herself should either sell the properties or pay the mortgages. Her attorneys have said that Frank McCourt should sell his half of the Dodgers assets if his personal finances are truly so desperate.

In May of last year, Frank McCourt was ordered to pay $225,000 in spousal support to his ex-wife every month, in addition to over $400,000 for their homes to be maintained every month. Jamie McCourt had sought close to $1 million every month in support.

Late last year, a judge ruled that a post-nuptial marital agreement granting sole ownership of the team to Frank McCourt was invalid. Consequently, Jamie McCourt, who had served as the team’s CEO before being fired, sought half of the team under California’s community property laws. Last month, the McCourts came to an agreement that was dependent upon the MLB’s approval of a $3 billion TV deal with Fox. However, the deal was rejected by Commissioner Bud Selig.

The divorce process is already incredibly stressful without involving publicity and the frenzy of media attention. At The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our high profile divorce lawyers in Montgomery County can provide you with the privacy and discretion you need while we plan your exit strategy. To learn more, please call 610-645-0100 today.