Lost in much of the discussion is how this case likely would play out in divorce court. Moreover, this case provides various lessons in how marriage and divorce should be handled, regardless of whether the participants are celebrities.

While Ms. Nordegren apparently has pursued the counsel of Los Angeles divorce lawyer-to-the-rich and famous Sorrell Trope, there’s been no word of Mr. Woods’ counsel. If she has hired Mr. Trope, it’s advisable that Mr. Woods seek similarly high-caliber counsel.

If this marriage is destined to end in divorce, it’s likely that the case will be resolved quickly. Celebrity and athlete divorce can dramatically damage one’s public persona; paying more in a settlement in pursuit of expeditious closure often is advisable – and preferred over prolonged tabloid fodder.

Still, this could prove to be lengthy – and costly. Many have theorized on outcomes. From a divorce attorney’s perspective, the following are reasons for bringing this case to a quick end:

- Nip disclosure. This will keep a lid on disclosure; after all, anything entered into public record – including income, is open for all to see.

- Stop the presses. Once it’s final, the talk and pursuit by the paparazzi and tabloids likely will end – eventually.

- Tiger will be able to re-start his golf career. Once he’s on the golf course – and winning – again, many of his sponsors likely will come back on board.

The lessons of the Woods-Nordegren case should be strong and clear: Securing qualified legal counsel early on is an important act to ensure the party’s rights and interests are protected. While the presence of paparazzi and sponsors is uncommon among the common couple, quick closure often brings a chance to move on with one’s life.

Simply put: Under Florida law, which by virtue of their primary residence in the state is the laws under which the pre-nuptial agreement and any divorce likely will be applied, this could be relatively cut-and-dry, and quick to closure. Why?

Regardless of the outcome, this case brings the importance of a well-crafted pre-nuptial agreement front and center. Pre-nuptial agreements can protect the assets and rights of both parties in a marriage.

Challenging the pre-nup in Florida requires 1. There not to have been adequate financial disclosure, or, 2. Ms. Nordegren to have signed the agreement under duress. It’s not likely that the pre-nup was presented to Ms. Nordegren within days of their October 2004 wedding. Additionally, whomever Mr. Woods engaged as counsel to draft the agreement certainly would have provided sufficient disclosure to ensure the agreement couldn’t be nullified on such grounds.

Since there has been no discussion of a challenge to the pre-nuptial agreement, some have surmised that it is not in dispute.

Given that Ms. Nordegren apparently has pursued the counsel of Los Angeles divorce lawyer Sorrell Trope, it’s not likely Mr. Trope would challenge the pre-nup in California court – assuming the Golden State was found to have jurisdiction. History and precedence has shown that California courts strongly uphold existing pre-nuptial agreements.

Still, should divorce be pursued, whether any settlement meets the terms of the pre-nup is questionable. To forestall any chance that public notoriety will cost him more than what he pays is wife, Mr. Woods may decide it’s better to pay more and get closure.

Will Mr. Woods’ philandering behavior play a role in altering the terms? It depends on the language. It’s unlikely that the attorney who wrote the pre-nup would have provided that an extra-marital affair would be grounds for contesting the terms of the agreement, which would result in a greater distribution of assets to Ms. Nordegren.

How will child support be affected by the pre-nup? Not at all. In Florida, child support, parental responsibility, and time sharing cannot be determined in a pre-nuptial agreement. Rather, at the time of the divorce, the court determines the appropriate child support figure based on a guideline formula.

Quick closure to the case – whether through the couple re-uniting or seeking divorce – likely will highlight the importance of a well-crafted pre-nuptial agreement.

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