Randy Kessler Weighs In on David Geffen’s Billion-Dollar Divorce on Law & Crime Sidebar
Entertainment mogul David Geffen’s divorce from his younger husband has turned into a very public battle, with lawsuits, accusations, and even a $600 million yacht in dispute. To unpack it, Law & Crime Sidebar host Jesse Weber spoke with Atlanta divorce attorney and Emory Law professor Randy Kessler.
Kessler noted that Geffen’s lack of a prenuptial agreement is surprising but not uncommon. In California, assets earned before marriage usually stay separate, while those earned during marriage are divided 50/50. The short duration of the marriage could affect alimony but not property division.
He also emphasized that alleged oral promises—like pledges of lifelong support or gifts of property—hold little legal weight without a written contract. Kessler’s insights highlight how skipping a prenup can complicate even the wealthiest marriages, showing that careful legal planning is essential when billions are at stake.