Greensboro readers have probably heard that Kobe Bryant is headed for divorce. Recently, the wife of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar--who, some may remember, was originally drafted by North Carolina's previous NBA team, the Charlotte Hornets-- filed for divorce. She cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, and is represented by a noted celebrity divorce attorney.

The couple met in 1999 on a music video shoot when Bryant's now-wife was just 18 years old. Six months later, the couple became engaged and they married in 2001. Bryant is estimated to earn than $25 million this season, $28 million next season and more than $30 million in 2013-2014. The Bryants have two children from their marriage, 5- and 8-year-old daughters.

Bryant is no stranger to having a spotlight on his off-the-court activities. In 2003, he was accused of the rape of a 19-year-old resort employee in Colorado. His wife stood beside him during that time and eventually all charges were dropped because the alleged victim refused to testify. Bryant subsequently bought his wife a diamond ring said to be worth $4 million, and a civil settlement was reached out of court with the resort employee.

While celebrity divorces played out in public can often become acrimonious, the process does not always have to end in bitterness. Proper planning and appropriate prenuptial agreement can help in the event that the marriage does not continue. In Greensboro, someone considering a divorce may wish to pursue legal avenues to ensure a fair and equitable settlement of all outstanding matrimonial law issues.

Source: USA Today, "Kobe Bryant's wife files for divorce," Dec. 16, 2011