Shocking details of Hollywood star Johnny Depp’s tumultuous marriage to ex-wife Amber Heard have emerged in recent weeks, causing quite the media furore.
So far there have been allegations of domestic abuse, drug fuelled fights and other eyebrow-raising claims from both sides of this dramatic court case, which was sparked when Depp launched a libel case against British tabloid newspaper The Sun.
Depp is suing The Sun‘s publisher, News Group Newspapers, and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an April 2018 article that said he had physically abused Heard. The Pirates of the Caribbean star said that the claims made by Heard that he had assaulted her on multiple occasions are “totally untrue.”
The trial has turned into an extraordinarily intense ‘he said, she said’ type of situation, which unfortunately can be a common scenario when it comes to cases involving allegations of domestic abuse and divorce.
Our Family Law solicitor Sarah Bird comments, “The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial has recently put the spotlight on relationship and marriage troubles, and in their case, there has been allegations of domestic abuse from both parties, which can be common.”
“In cases involving domestic abuse there are often confusing and conflicting stories, which can make it difficult for the police and judges to decide what has occurred.
“‘Unreasonable behaviour’ is a ground for divorce in Scotland, however domestic abuse allegations can often be part of a wider case where, financial and property claims are being made.
“It is rare for such cases to run to a full hearing because of the adverse publicity, the cost and uncertainty of court actions.”
It is important to seek specialist legal advice to know your rights and options when you make the decision to bring a relationship to an end. Contact us to discuss matters further.