It is hard to go anywhere without hearing news about Miley Cyrus, a teen celebrity who rose to fame quickly after finding success on a Disney Channel show. Recently, her parents, Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, announced that they were filing for divorce after 17 years of marriage.
For many fans of the pop star, news of her parents’ divorce came as a surprise. In the past, both parents have shown support for their daughter’s career and fame. According to the reports, the divorce was caused by irreconcilable differences. It has also been reported that Bill Ray wants joint custody of the couple’s three minor children, including Miley.
Some reports have surfaced stating that the irreconcilable differences stem from differing views on how to raise Miley. According to an interview with the Cyrus family back in 2007, Tish Cyrus did not think that the Hollywood lifestyle was appropriate for her daughter.
Regardless, the couple is now facing many difficult decisions. With three minor children, a custody and visitation arrangement must be agreed upon. The court will decide what is in the best interests of the children, based on information about both parents. Custody and visitation can become complicated, especially if the couple decides to live in different states.
Another decision the couple faces is how to split the property from the marriage. Billy Ray has requested for an equitable division of the marital assets.
While any divorce is an emotional and stressful process, the couple wants to split amicably and without judgment from society. Though they have requested that people respect their privacy, that request may not be possible with a daughter constantly in the spotlight. Though Miley turns 18 in November, she and the two other children will still be seriously affected by their parents’ divorce.
Source: International Business Times online, “Billy Ray files for joint custody of Miley,” 30 October 2010