Olympic figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi, 54, confirmed in a People interview published April 13, 2026 that she and former NHL defenseman Bret Hedican, 55, finalized their divorce in 2025 after separating amicably in 2023. The couple married in 2000 and share two daughters. Under California Family Code § 2310, their 23-year marriage qualifies as a long-duration marriage, triggering enhanced spousal support and community property protections that every California resident should understand.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Yamaguchi confirmed divorce from Hedican in People interview published April 13, 2026 |
| When finalized | Divorce finalized in 2025; separation began 2023 |
| Marriage length | 23 years (married July 2000, separated 2023) |
| Likely jurisdiction | California (primary residence) |
| Key statute | Cal. Fam. Code § 2310 (no-fault dissolution) |
| Practical impact | Demonstrates long-term marriage rules under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336 |
Why This Matters Legally
This amicable high-profile divorce illustrates exactly how California's community property system operates during long-term marriages. California is one of only nine community property states in the United States, meaning nearly everything earned or acquired during the 23 years between July 2000 and the 2023 separation date presumptively belongs to both spouses equally (50/50) under Cal. Fam. Code § 760.
The Yamaguchi-Hedican split also highlights a legal reality many couples miss: you can separate amicably and still need formal legal dissolution. The couple reportedly separated in 2023 but did not finalize until 2025, a two-year gap that carries specific consequences under California law. The date of separation, governed by Cal. Fam. Code § 70, freezes community property accumulation. Any income Yamaguchi earned from her Always Dream Foundation work or endorsement deals after the 2023 separation date would be her separate property, not community property.
Celebrity divorces often settle privately through mediation or collaborative law specifically to avoid the public filings that would expose asset details. California courts increasingly honor private resolution under Cal. Fam. Code § 2550, which permits couples to agree on unequal division if both parties consent in writing.
How California Law Handles This
California divorce law treats a 23-year marriage very differently from a short-term union. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336, a marriage of 10 years or longer is presumed to be of "long duration," which means the court retains indefinite jurisdiction to award spousal support. There is no automatic cutoff date for alimony in long-term California marriages.
Three specific California statutes shape how a split like this plays out:
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Community property equalization: Cal. Fam. Code § 2550 requires equal (50/50) division of all community assets and debts unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. For high-net-worth couples, this includes real estate, investment accounts, retirement benefits, and business interests accumulated during the marriage.
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Spousal support factors: Cal. Fam. Code § 4320 lists 14 mandatory factors courts must weigh, including the marital standard of living, earning capacity, contributions to the other spouse's career, and the supported party's ability to become self-supporting within a reasonable time.
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Date of separation: Cal. Fam. Code § 70 defines separation as the date when one spouse expressed intent to end the marriage AND conduct demonstrated that intent. This date controls what assets are community versus separate.
Child support is not at issue here because both daughters, born in 2003 and 2005, are now adults (ages 20 and 22). Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3901, California child support ends at age 18, or 19 if still in high school full-time, so neither parent owes support for adult children absent a written agreement.
Practical Takeaways for California Residents
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Document your separation date carefully. Send a dated written communication (email, text, letter) clearly stating your intent to end the marriage. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 70, this single date determines millions of dollars in property classification for high-earning couples.
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Inventory all assets before separation. California requires full disclosure of all community and separate property under Cal. Fam. Code § 2104 within 60 days of filing. Pre-separation inventory prevents disputes about what existed on the separation date.
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Consider mediation for long marriages. The Yamaguchi-Hedican resolution took two years (2023 to 2025), which is typical for mediated or collaborative divorces. California's mandatory cooling-off period under Cal. Fam. Code § 2339 is only 6 months, but complex asset division commonly extends timelines.
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Address retirement benefits with a QDRO. NHL pension benefits and any retirement accounts accumulated during marriage are community property. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order under Cal. Fam. Code § 2610 is required to divide qualified retirement plans without tax penalties.
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Update estate planning documents immediately. Cal. Prob. Code § 5600 automatically revokes non-probate transfers to a former spouse upon dissolution, but wills, trusts, and powers of attorney require manual updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a California divorce take after separation?
California imposes a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date of service under Cal. Fam. Code § 2339 before a divorce can be finalized. However, complex cases like the Yamaguchi-Hedican divorce, which took roughly 2 years from 2023 separation to 2025 finalization, commonly extend longer due to asset valuation, business interests, and negotiation timelines.
Does a 23-year marriage automatically mean lifetime alimony in California?
No, but it does mean indefinite court jurisdiction over spousal support. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336, marriages of 10+ years are presumed long-duration, meaning no automatic termination date applies. The supported spouse still must demonstrate ongoing need under the 14 factors listed in Cal. Fam. Code § 4320.
Is income earned after separation community property in California?
No. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 771, earnings and accumulations of each spouse after the date of separation are separate property. This is why establishing the precise separation date matters so much. Any money Yamaguchi earned from endorsements or foundation work after the 2023 separation belongs solely to her.
Can spouses agree to an unequal property division in California?
Yes. California's 50/50 community property rule under Cal. Fam. Code § 2550 applies absent a written agreement. Spouses can negotiate any division they want through a Marital Settlement Agreement, which is how most amicable celebrity divorces resolve. The agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
What happens to a business started during a California marriage?
Businesses started during marriage are community property under Cal. Fam. Code § 760, subject to 50/50 division. Courts use valuation methods including the Pereira and Van Camp formulas, established in 1909 and 1921 California case law, to apportion separate and community interests when one spouse's labor increased business value during marriage.
Getting Help
If you are facing a California divorce with long-term marriage, substantial assets, or business interests, consider consulting a California family law attorney who understands community property nuances. Every jurisdiction handles these issues differently, and the 23-year threshold triggers specific protections that require careful planning.
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.