Many Massachusetts residents may have experienced or witnessed how divorce can affect the relationships between people. Sometimes the separating couple is eventually able to overcome the stress of the situation and get along with one another. However, there are other times when a divorce, especially a high asset divorce, can turn ugly. Some couples have been known to spy on one another, vandalize each other’s homes, or even hurt one another in a few extreme cases, and family members may also get caught in the middle.
Since their divorce in 2017 after more than 30 years of marriage, the billionaire co-founder of Pimco, Bill Gross, and his ex-wife, Sue, have been trading accusations of vandalism, theft and spying. Both individuals have also taken out restraining orders against the other. There have also been claims of animal cruelty regarding the couple’s three cats.
Sue Gross, who was granted custody of the three cats, claimed that during one of her ex-husband’s 24-hour visitation days the animals were being kept in an extremely hot part of the house, and were dying. She also accused her ex of vandalizing a beach home given to her in the divorce by infusing foul smells into the home. Later, she accused him of removing artwork from that same beach home. In addition to these accusations, the former Mrs. Gross also claimed that her ex-husband has employed a large number of private investigators to spy on her, her family and friends.
Bill Gross has also filed his share of complaints, and other accusations. He had been planning to sell a Picasso painting from his private collection, but Sue revealed that she had the painting and had replaced it with a fake before selling it herself. He also filed a restraining order against her, claiming that she threatened him with a knife.
Thankfully, few divorces are as contentious as this one. However, those involved in a high asset divorce may be more likely to have difficulty dividing assets or coming to other agreements, such as custody or alimony. Massachusetts residents who are considering divorce, regardless of the number of assets they have accumulated, may wish to consult with a local attorney.