Former Saved by the Bell and NYPD Blue star Mark-Paul Gosselaar filed for divorce from wife Lisa Ann Russell last week in Los Angeles Superior Court. The couple announced their separation several weeks ago.

Gosselaar and Russell were married in 1996, when they were 22 and 24 respectively. They reportedly met on the set of Saved by the Bell in 1993, when she had a small part on the television show.

The former couple has two children, Michael Charles, 6, and Ava Lorenn, 4. Gosselaar is seeking joint custody of the children.

His divorce petition cites “irreconcilable differences”, the only legal grounds for a California no-fault divorce. Internet reports suggested that Russell’s partying behavior was to blame for the split.

No “reason” is legally necessary to obtain a divorce in California (other than irreconcilable differences). Like most other states, California did away with fault-based divorce a generation ago. So, even if the rumors of Russell’s misbehavior are true, it is unlikely to have much bearing on the divorce.

“Fault” will not be taken into account when the court divides the parties’ community property nor when it makes determinations related to child support and/or spousal support. One party’s behavior could be taken into account in relation to child custody and visitation if that behavior is potentially damaging to the children. Behavior can also be considered if there is a prenuptial agreement which contains a fidelity or sobriety clause.

Gosselaar next will be seen on TNT’s new legal show Franklin & Bash.

Library Topics: divorce, joint custody, no-fault divorce, fault-based divorce, child support, spousal support, community property, child custody, visitation, prenuptial agreement