"Don’t Get Mad, Get Everything" – The Ivana Trump Approach to Divorce
Featured photo from ABC News
In the 1996 movie "First Wives Club," Ivana Trump makes a memorable cameo, delivering the iconic line:
"Ladies, you have to be strong and independent, and remember, don't get mad, get everything”.
An admirable ambition for women in divorce you might think? Particularly for those who have been abused, exploited and then dumped by an economically stronger former partner? Get some revenge, recompense and recognition?
She certainly had something to complain about. Ivana Trump, born Ivana Marie Zelníčková in the then Czechoslovakia, was a model prior to meeting and marrying Donald Trump in 1977. Together, they had three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. Ivana played a significant role in Donald Trump's business empire, holding positions such as Vice President of Interior Design and managing the Plaza Hotel. Their marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce in 1990, superficially primarily due to Donald Trump's affairs. However, likely of more significance was his violence towards her. She accused him of rape and other incidents, such as allegedly pulling out clumps of her hair during a confrontation.
Her ambitious divorce objectives in the subsequent financial settlement apparently were successful in obtaining a favourable settlement, after a long expensive court case, which included $14 million, a mansion in Connecticut, an apartment in Trump Plaza, and $650,000 annually for child support.
So, good on her. But what do you take from this?
Well, the first thing is how could such a man now be in the position of being the most powerful person in the world? USA has a lot to answer for.
Secondly, it shows the only way to deal with a bully is to stand up to them.
So whilst this is true, I do warn anyone involved in a difficult divorce or separation, be very careful about adopting Ivana Trump mantra.
Taking an aggressive, unreasonable attitude into the divorce process and seeking a punitive financial settlement against someone who has treated you badly, rarely works and is generally a recipe for disaster. It is terrific for lawyers to be involved in complex court proceedings. But often has a disastrous effect on the emotional and financial welfare of the parties, and particularly any children involved.
Far better to adopt a principled negotiation position and seek a fair property and financial settlement in accordance with your legal rights, entitlements and obligations and as quickly, efficiently and cost effectively as possible. Obtaining such a settlement and moving on successfully with your life, if often the best revenge.
I have devised a new process called the Smart Separation System and a Nine Step process to achieve this. Please contact me for a Free Guide if you are interested in hearing about it.
Andrew Corish, BA LLB, Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer (NSW Law Society) Modern Divorce Solutions – Specialist Family Lawyers Ph: 02 8075 0141
