Several news sources, such as Rolling Stone and The Toronto Star are now reporting that rock 'n' roll legend Neil Young has filed for divorce from his wife of 36 years, Pegi Young.
The cause of the dissolution of the couple's marriage is still unknown as neither party has released a statement concerning their impending divorce. What is known is that Neil Young filed his Petition for Divorce on July 29, 2014 in San Mateo, California, where the couple resides. Pegi filed her Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce on August 12, 2014, and a status conference is set for December 2014.
The couple has two children together, Amber and Ben, but the issue of child custody will not play a role in the couple's divorce because the children are no longer minors. However, the couple's son Ben has cerebral palsy, and it would not be surprising if the couple addresses issues of his care and wellbeing during the divorce process. Child custody and child support will not be of issue during the divorce due to the age of the couple's children. Thus, only the issues of alimony and property division will be decided during the divorce. Although Pegi has responded to Neil's Petition for Divorce, the details of her response, specifically whether she has demanded spousal support, have yet to be disclosed. Regarding the issue of property division, both Pegi and Neil have had extensive solo musical careers, and the two have collaborated often on songs and in concert. Consequently, it is very likely that questions regarding how the ownership of intellectual property will be classified post-divorce and how royalties and other assets will be divided.
At this early stage, it is not clear if the couple's divorce will be acrimonious or relatively amicable. Hopefully, for the sake of the couple's son Ben, and the Bridge School, a non-profit organization for children with severe speech and physical impairments that the couple founded in honor of their son, the couple will continue to work together to support their son and the wonderful organization they established.