Celebrity divorces often grab headlines, but they can also highlight real legal principles that affect everyday people. The recently finalized divorce of HGTV star Christina Haack and her ex-husband Josh Hall is a case in point. Their split illustrates how California courts handle property, spousal support, and personal property when a couple is ending a short marriage, and it offers important lessons for California residents navigating similar situations.
According to People, Hall declared himself a “free man” on social media after the court’s ruling, posting what some described as a “scathing message.” Shortly after, MSN reported that Haack posted a cryptic warning of her own, suggesting that “multiple people” wanted to “play.” While the headlines focused on drama, the legal settlement tells us far more about how California divorce law operates.
Who Got What in the Haack-Hall Divorce
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Christina Haack kept her homes – including her Newport Beach property and a Tennessee farmhouse. In California, property acquired before marriage or with separate funds is typically separate property, but community property acquired during the marriage is divided. Careful tracing of funds is often critical.
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Josh Hall retained his business and vehicles – including his real estate media company, a Bentley, a DeLorean, and a motorcycle. California allows spouses to keep businesses they owned before marriage, but if the business increased in value during the marriage, that increase may be partly community property.
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No spousal support was awarded – because this was a short marriage, neither party received ongoing support. The California Courts Self-Help Center explains that for marriages under 10 years, support is generally limited to about half the length of the marriage. By contrast, marriages of 10 years or more are considered “long duration,” and courts may retain jurisdiction indefinitely. The legal framework comes from Family Code § 4320 (factors for support) and § 4336 (10-year threshold for long-duration marriages).
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Custody was not an issue – the couple had no children together, eliminating one of the most contested aspects of many divorces.
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Vehicles and recreational items — were part of the settlement. According to E! News, Hall kept a 2021 Bentley, a 1970 Chevelle, and a 1982 DeLorean, while Haack retained a 2022 Bentley Continental GTC V8, two 2021 GMC Yukons (one for California and one for Tennessee), and quads that were gifts for her children.
- Pets – Although Josh Hall reportedly had a dog, there were no media reports that the pet was in dispute in the divorce. California law now allows courts to consider the well-being of pets, rather than treating them as simple property, so they can become part of meaningful negotiations.
Lessons for California Couples
The Haack-Hall divorce highlights some core lessons that apply to anyone ending a marriage in California:
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Document property ownership. If you want to preserve assets as separate property, clear documentation is essential.
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Expect businesses to be scrutinized. Even if you started a business before marriage, its increased value during the marriage may be subject to division.
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Understand spousal support rules. In a short marriage, ongoing support is not guaranteed and is usually limited in duration. Courts weigh many factors under Family Code § 4320, but length of marriage is a key consideration.
Final Thoughts
Christina Haack and Josh Hall’s divorce may have been splashed across social media, but the underlying settlement reflects principles that apply to every Californian facing divorce. For couples ending a short marriage, property division and spousal support are often simpler and more limited than in long-term marriages, though disputes can still be significant.
The Law Offices of David Knecht can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions about property, businesses, or support during divorce. Call us today at (707) 451-4502 to schedule a consultation.
