It looks like things may get contentious once again in the split between Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines and her ex-husband, actor Adrian Pasdar. The couple’s divorce was finalized last December after two years of legal wrangling — even though they drew up a prenuptial agreement before they wed back in 2000.
Part of the issue was that Pasdar claimed the prenup was invalid. Court documents stated, “Respondent claims he did not understand the terms of the Prenuptial Agreement, that he did not understand the legal effect of the Prenuptial Agreement, that the terms of the Prenuptial Agreement are presently unconscionable and that he did not have adequate knowledge of my property and financial obligations when he signed the Prenuptial Agreement.”
Pasdar reportedly sought over $60,000 per month for spousal and child support, claiming that Maines had been the family’s primary breadwinner during the marriage as well as retroactive child support of nearly $452,000. The couple has two children.
Maines sought to have the issue of the prenup separated from the divorce proceedings so that those could move forward. It hasn’t been publicly reported what kind of support agreement the two reached.
Pasdar also invoked a confidentiality clause in the couple’s prenup to attempt to stop Maines from referencing him in her music. Now, the Dixie Chicks’ first album in 14 years seems to indicate that Maines has no problem publicly venting her anger at her ex.
The first song and title track of the album, “Gaslighter,” is seen by Texas music critics and listeners at a clear shot at Pasdar. Maines herself has acknowledged that her divorce inspired some of her new music. It remains to be seen whether Pasdar takes legal action regarding his ex-wife’s latest songs.
No prenup is ironclad. However, when both partners have experienced legal guidance in drawing it up, they can help minimize the chances that any or all of the prenup will be invalidated if the marriage ends in divorce.