Seeing the lavish mansions celebrity couples live in gives the impression that they live entirely charmed lives. However, with the recent streak of major celebrity divorces, several famous couples will now be going through the often stressful process of property division. Determining which spouse will be responsible for their home is an incredibly important decision for Fort Lauderdale families, especially if the home is highly valued.

Over the last year, there have been a number of unexpected celebrity divorces. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, married for over 20 years, announced they would be getting divorced last year. They have built a family and own purchased a large home nearly 10 years ago. Another long-term couple, Heidi Klum and Seal, have a home they bought for over $14 million within the last two years.

In addition to the monetary value of these celebrity homes, they have immense emotional value as well. Both of the power couples have been together for several years and have multiple children. Not only could this reality make property division more difficult for the spouses, but it underscores the necessity that the couples take the right steps when splitting up their marital property.

Celebrity divorce cases can offer insight into any divorce. The same questions Russell Brand and Katy Perry ask themselves when they are dealing with their home, might be the same ones you might ask as you are going through the divorce process. If there is still a mortgage on the home, then who will assume responsibility for payments? Will the parent with primary custody of the children take the house? Or should the house be put on the market? These are practical questions any divorcing couple with real estate should ask themselves.

When a couple decides that a divorce is the best option for them, seeking the advice of a knowledgeable legal professional can ease the stress that often accompanies divorce. Dividing up property can be tricky, so it's often useful to have a helping hand to guide you into the next stage of your life.

Source: Forbes, "Homes of the Heartbroken: Divorced Celebs' Houses," Feb. 2, 2012