This morning, talk shows were buzzing and gossip magazine websites were exploding as news of Tiger Woods finalized divorce with estranged wife Elin Nordegren was made public. Tiger Woods, the all-American athlete from Cypress, California, who was once revered as an international sports icon is now recognized as a controversial pop culture figure, regarding the revelation of his previous sex scandals. Ever since news of his numerous affairs first broke, the fourteen-time championship winner’s private life was exposed to the public. Becoming a national topic of gossip, Woods’ professional image was affected, causing him to lose over $35 million in sponsorship revenue.
One entity that has not punished or depersonalized Woods, however, is the United States law. As a loving parent of two children, Woods retains the natural rights of a father and will share legal custody of the children. Nordegren will maintain physical custody of the children with Woods being allowed flexible visitation rights, accommodating his schedule as a professional athlete. Woods is able to re-negotiate these terms in five years.
Both Woods and Nordegren were required to take a parenting course, which they respectively completed in July and August of this year. They issued the following joint statement highlighting the importance of their children’s well-being:
“We are sad that our marriage is over and we wish each other the very best for the future. While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been, and will always be, of paramount importance to both of us. Once we came to the decision that our marriage was at an end, the primary focus of our amicable discussions has been to ensure their future well-being. The weeks and months ahead will not be easy for them as we adjust to a new family situation, which is why our privacy must be a principal concern.”
Although it was rumored that Nordegren was looking at a $750 million divorce settlement, the finalized divorce left the Swedish model with $100 million as well as an agreement for monthly child support. At Nordegren’s request, Woods is not allowed to expose their children to any female companions outside of the family “unless he is married to said person.”
Fortunate for Woods, Nordegren finally agreed to sign Woods’ Lifetime Confidentially Clause, which prohibits her from ever publicly speaking about anything relating to her relationship with Woods.