Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen End 18-Year Marriage: What California Law Says About Long-Term Divorces
American Pie star Jason Biggs, 48, and actress/author Jenny Mollen, 46, announced their separation on May 14, 2026, ending an 18-year marriage that began after they met on the set of 'My Best Friend's Girl' in 2008. The couple shares two sons, Sid (12) and Lazlo (8), and stated they remain "on great terms" while focusing on co-parenting. Under California law, their 18-year union qualifies as a "long-term marriage," triggering specific protections regarding spousal support and property division that shorter marriages do not receive.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen announced separation after 18 years of marriage |
| When | May 14, 2026 |
| Who's affected | The couple and their two minor children (ages 12 and 8) |
| Key statute | Cal. Fam. Code § 4336 — long-term marriage provisions |
| Marriage duration | 18 years (married 2008) |
| Divorce filing status | No divorce petition filed as of announcement |
Why This 18-Year Marriage Duration Matters Under California Law
California courts treat marriages lasting 10 years or longer as "long-term marriages" under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336, which fundamentally changes how judges approach spousal support. The Biggs-Mollen marriage at 18 years falls well within this threshold, meaning any eventual divorce proceeding would trigger the court's retained jurisdiction over spousal support indefinitely, rather than the typical half-the-length-of-marriage guideline that applies to shorter unions.
This classification has significant financial implications. In marriages under 10 years, California courts generally limit spousal support to approximately half the marriage duration. A 6-year marriage might result in 3 years of support. However, for long-term marriages like this 18-year union, courts retain jurisdiction to modify or extend support orders without any automatic termination date.
The distinction becomes especially relevant when one spouse earns significantly more than the other. Both Biggs and Mollen have entertainment careers, though income disparities in Hollywood can be substantial depending on recent projects. California's community property laws under Cal. Fam. Code § 760 would require equal division of all assets acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouse earned them.
How California Handles Celebrity Divorces With Minor Children
California courts prioritize the best interests of children under Cal. Fam. Code § 3011, regardless of the parents' celebrity status. With two minor children ages 12 and 8, Biggs and Mollen will need to establish a parenting plan that addresses legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody (where the children live), and a visitation schedule.
The couple's statement that they remain "on great terms" suggests they may pursue a mediated settlement rather than contested litigation. California requires all divorcing parents to attempt mediation through Family Court Services under Cal. Fam. Code § 3170 before any custody trial. Couples who agree on parenting arrangements can submit a stipulated judgment, avoiding public court hearings that celebrity cases often attract.
Child support in California follows a statewide guideline formula under Cal. Fam. Code § 4055 that calculates support based on each parent's income and the percentage of time each parent has physical custody. Even high-earning couples must use this formula as a starting point, though courts can deviate in cases involving extraordinarily high incomes under Cal. Fam. Code § 4057.
What "No Divorce Filed Yet" Means for the Legal Timeline
The announcement confirms separation but notes no divorce petition has been filed. Under California law, the divorce process cannot begin until one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Superior Court. California then imposes a mandatory 6-month waiting period under Cal. Fam. Code § 2339 from the date the respondent is served before any divorce can become final.
This waiting period exists regardless of whether the parties agree on all terms. A couple who filed today and agreed on everything still could not finalize their divorce until November 2026 at the earliest. Many celebrity divorces take 12-24 months to finalize due to complex asset valuations, business interests, and entertainment contracts that require forensic accounting.
The date of separation itself carries legal significance. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 771, earnings and acquisitions after the date of separation become separate property rather than community property. For entertainment industry professionals, this can affect residuals, royalties, and new project income substantially. The couple announcing their separation publicly helps establish this date clearly.
Practical Takeaways for California Couples Considering Separation
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Document your separation date clearly. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 70, the date of separation is when one spouse communicates an intent to end the marriage and their conduct is consistent with that intent. A public announcement or written communication creates evidence.
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Understand the 10-year marriage threshold. Couples approaching 10 years of marriage should know that crossing this milestone triggers long-term marriage provisions affecting spousal support duration. This is not a reason to rush divorce but an important planning consideration.
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Consider mediation before litigation. California's Family Court Services mediation is mandatory for custody disputes, but private mediation for all divorce issues can reduce costs from $50,000-$100,000 or more in contested celebrity divorces to $15,000-$30,000 in mediated settlements.
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Protect your children's privacy. High-profile parents can request sealed court records under California Rules of Court 2.550 to protect minor children from media exposure. Courts routinely grant these requests when children's welfare is at stake.
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Account for entertainment industry income complexity. Residuals, royalties, profit participation, and deferred compensation all require specialized valuation. The community property share of ongoing income from projects created during marriage continues even after divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an 18-year marriage different from a shorter marriage in California divorce?
California law classifies marriages of 10 years or longer as "long-term marriages" under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336. The court retains jurisdiction over spousal support indefinitely rather than limiting it to half the marriage length. For an 18-year marriage, this means support could potentially continue for life depending on circumstances, whereas a 6-year marriage would typically see support limited to approximately 3 years.
How long does a California divorce take when couples say they're "on great terms"?
Even amicable California divorces require a minimum 6-month waiting period under Cal. Fam. Code § 2339 from the date the respondent is served. Couples who agree on all terms can finalize at the 6-month mark, but most divorces involving significant assets take 9-18 months. Celebrity divorces with complex entertainment contracts often require 12-24 months for proper asset valuation.
Do both parents get equal custody in California when they divorce amicably?
California courts do not presume equal custody. Judges determine custody based on the children's best interests under Cal. Fam. Code § 3011, considering factors like each parent's relationship with the children, ability to co-parent, and children's established routines. However, courts do encourage frequent and continuing contact with both parents, and amicable couples often agree to 50/50 arrangements.
What happens to income from movies made during the marriage after divorce?
Under California's community property laws (Cal. Fam. Code § 760), income from creative works produced during marriage remains community property even after divorce. Residuals, royalties, and profit participation from films or TV shows created between 2008 and 2026 would be divided 50/50. New projects after the separation date become separate property.
Can celebrity couples keep their divorce private in California?
California allows parties to seal certain divorce records under California Rules of Court 2.550, particularly to protect minor children's privacy. However, the basic fact of a divorce filing is typically public record. Many celebrities use mediation and stipulated judgments to resolve matters privately without contested court hearings that generate public transcripts.
Connect With a California Family Law Attorney
Navigating divorce after a long-term marriage involves complex considerations around support, property division, and parenting arrangements. If you have questions about how California law applies to your situation, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help you understand your options and protect your interests.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.