The highly-publicized divorce of Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan continues to make headlines as the former couple navigates the aftermath of their split. The pair, who officially ended their nine-year marriage in 2019 after separating in 2018, have been embroiled in a legal battle over the details of their divorce settlement.
The couple, who met on the set of the popular dance film Step Up in 2006, married in 2009. Daughter Everly was born in 2013. Despite their divorce, Tatum and Dewan have remained committed to co-parenting their daughter, agreeing to share equal physical and legal custody.
But in April 2024, news broke that the exes were embroiled in a court battle over the details of their divorce settlement, which included the rights to the revenues and intellectual property for Magic Mike, a film franchise that Tatum starred in back in 2012.
As the legal proceedings continue, here are our top legal takeaways from the Tatum Dewan split.
Dewan v. Tanning in a Nutshell
The crux of Dewan's argument lies in the fact that the original Magic Mike movie and its subsequent sequels were developed and co-financed by Channing Tatum during their marriage using community effort and marital funds.
The original Magic Mike film, released in 2012, was a massive success, earning $167.2 million globally, and its subsequent installments continued to bring in millions. Dewan believes that California community property law entitles her to an equal share of the revenues and intellectual property associated with the Magic Mike franchise.
In addition, Dewan has reportedly accused Tatum and his business managers of hiding assets related to the Magic Mike franchise. This includes creating a complex web of LLCs for business activities, which Dewan claims was done to dilute and conceal the value of the film franchise's assets. Dewan asserts that these actions were carried out without her spousal consent, thereby denying her a fair share of the franchise-generated profits.
Despite receiving some money from Tatum related to Magic Mike’s success, Dewan's legal team argues that it does not fairly represent the true value of the brand's success. The actress reportedly claims that she was unaware of the business opportunities surrounding the film and that Tatum's actions were done without her consent.
Tatum's defense reportedly argues that he has put in extensive effort since their separation to enhance the Magic Mike franchise, which he believes gives him a separate property interest in the intellectual property. He also claims to have made numerous settlement offers to Dewan, indicating his willingness to resolve the issue amicably.
Tatum's team dismisses Dewan's claims as a desperate attempt to prolong the divorce proceedings, which have been ongoing since they split in 2018. They argue that the Magic Mike legal rights do not impact the core issues in the divorce settlement and should not warrant a separate trial.
Top Legal Lessons from the Tatum Dewan Divorce
The highly publicized divorce has brought to light some important legal takeaways for individuals going through a similar situation. The battle over the intellectual property of Tatum's Magic Mike franchise has raised questions about how assets are divided during a divorce, especially in community property states like California.
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Get a Prenup
First and foremost, it is crucial to have a prenuptial agreement in place before getting married. A prenup can clearly outline how assets will be split up should a divorce occur, preventing costly legal battles like the one between Tatum and Dewan.
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Document Everything
It is also essential to keep a detailed log of all activities involving potential current or future community property. This includes tracking any earnings or investments made during the marriage that could be considered joint assets. By maintaining accurate records, individuals can better protect their interests during divorce proceedings.
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Understand State Property Division Laws
Understanding the community property laws in your state is another important takeaway from the Tatum and Dewan divorce. In community property states, assets acquired during the marriage are typically divided equally between spouses. However, assets earned before or after the marriage may be considered separate property and not included in asset division.
In the case of the Magic Mike franchise, Dewan's claim to a share of the assets earned after the marital separation may be challenged by Tatum, who argues that he has independently contributed to the franchise's success post-divorce. This highlights the complexities of dividing intellectual property and other assets acquired during a marriage.
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Hire A Skilled Divorce Lawyer
Finally, it is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced divorce lawyer when navigating the legal implications of a divorce. A family law attorney can offer critical advice on asset division, spousal support, and other key issues, helping individuals protect their rights and achieve a fair outcome.
It remains to be seen how the court will rule on the ownership of the Magic Mike franchise and its associated profits. The dispute highlights the complexities of dividing assets in high-profile divorces and the importance of transparency, communication, and documentation in financial matters during a marriage.