“Friends” Co-Creator Finalizes Divorce, Will Pay Alimony to Ex-Husband

Marta Kauffman, one of the co-creators of the hugely successful TV show “Friends” recently finalized her divorce. As a result of the divorce settlement, Michael Skloff, Kauffman’s ex-spouse, is now set to receive annual alimony payments that are staggeringly high.

Kauffman and Skloff got married in 1985. The couple was, by all accounts, happily married. In fact, they famously worked together on “Friends,” with Kauffman creating the staple of the NBC network’s Thursday night lineup and Skloff composing the show’s catchy theme song.

As is the case in most divorce proceedings, one of the biggest hang-ups in the Kauffman-Skloff divorce was spousal support and division of property. The major issue in this divorce was a massive residual check that Kauffman gets every year as a result of her involvement with “Friends.” According to court documents, that annual residual check is for millions of dollars.

The divorce settlement that Kauffman and Skloff worked out allows Kauffman to keep 75 percent of her “Friends” residual check, while Skloff will be entitled to 25 percent of the check. The divorce agreement stipulates that Kauffman will have to transfer the funds to her ex-husband as soon as she receives the check each year.

Another aspect of the divorce that is interesting is the fact that Skloff also gets a residual check for having composed the theme song for “Friends.” The divorce agreement is reportedly favorable for Skloff and allows him to keep 100 percent of his personal residual check. Additionally, Skloff will be entitled to one of the couple’s four houses, though Kauffman gets to keep the most expensive property in Malibu.

For more information about this high-profile divorce case, see the TMZ.com article, “‘Friends’ Creator Marta Kauffman Single Again…and Loaded.”

If you are thinking about filing for divorce in New Jersey, it is imperative that you talk to a qualified NJ divorce lawyer as soon as possible. The experienced family law and divorce attorneys at Davis & Mendelson will help you explore your legal options. Contact us anytime to schedule a free consultation.