Maria Shriver Hires Top Divorce Lawyer

By Christo Varghese Posted May 19th 2011 05:30AM

It looks like Maria Shriver is gearing up and taking steps to protect herself and her children from a potentially long and costly divorce battle with her separated husband Arnold Schwarzenegger.

PEOPLE is reporting that Shriver has hired top celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser to represent her.

Wasser is a Los Angeles-based family lawyer whose previous clients include Angelina Jolie, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder and Britney Spears.

A source is quoted saying, "Maria hasn't decided yet if she wants to end her marriage."

It was also revealed that Wasser was hired before the news of Arnold Schwarzenegger's affair and child with the family's longtime housekeeper went public.

The housekeeper has reportedly been identified as Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena. She also worked as an assistant to Schwarzenegger and Shriver for 20 years before resigning in January.

The exact identity of the boy still remains under wraps, but new details have emerged based on discovery of the boy's the birth certificate.

In the certificate, which blacks out the boy's first and middle name, it is revealed that he was born on October 2, 1997 just five days after Schwarzenegger and Shriver welcomed their fourth child, Christopher Sargent Shriver Schwarzenegger, to the family.

That means his mistress and his wife were both pregnant at the exact same time with his children.

The boy, who is now 13, was born in Burbank, Calif., to Baena, who lists her last name as "Pena" in the certificate. She also named the father as Rogelio D.J. Baena, who was her husband at the time. Patty's place of birth is Guatemala, while her ex-husband was born in Colombia.

Schwarzenegger and Shriver shocked the public when they announced earlier this month that they were separating after 25 years of marriage.

On May 16, Schwarzenegger released a statement admitting to his wrongdoing and apologizing to his family.

Shriver has since broken her silence, calling it a "painful and heartbreaking time" and asking for privacy.

Tags: arnold schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver

Comments

(30)

Thursday 19 May

By Looks

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Ha - if you've got a problem with Maria,you obviously havn't seen the maid yet! But don't worry, she is about to get much heavier...I love a woman who carries her weight in her bank account.

By who is surprised

MARIA knew about this and everything else about their marriage. Where is the DNA? The Kennedy's always have some drama going on. The Kennedy's have used the public and anyone in between for their own purposes......Old Joe Kennedy started the whole thing with his runnning around on Rose and his corrupt business deals. Maria would rather use Arnold's money for their children then hers.....it is the Kennedy way.

By n

Even though the both of them could STOP a clock from ticking. The fact remains that AHHnold is a filthy dirty moron.
His wife and children surely didn't deserve his deceptive lies and womanizing all those years.
I wish Maria and her children well.

By janet

I hope she takes him for 1/2 of the reported 300 million he is worth.
She should call Elin (Tiger Woods ex) for advice. She got it right and got 1/2. Tiger and Arnold have now earned a spot on Celebrity Apprentice which I hope is all the work they ever get again cause that show is a joke.

By Alyce

Hey Maria Fire your attorney. save your money. You've won. Case closed.

By Pompano Ann

Maybe Maria should sue the housekeeper! Yes, Arnold is guilty but think about this housekeeper who seems to have munipulate everyone; Arnold, Maria, the kids; the nerve of this lady, need I say more! I know, I know, none of us were there in that house to determine if Maria had any ideas or red flags; but the gossip already on how she used to wear Maria's jewelery and clothes, talk about creepy. I wish Maria all the best on this!!!

Friday 20 May

By marie

I pray that everyone involved in this situation seeks God's help to get through this with grace and dignity and try to remember that we are all human and make mistakes.Ask Gods'help to forgive and live you lives according to His will and purpose and don't be afraid or too proud to stay with your husband and mend your marriage.

By Averagedancer

Gregory,

The article states that Maria hired the lawyer before the news went public, not before she actually knew about the affair. In any case it doesn't matter; she should take him to the cleaners.

By Carol

Put yourself in the public light, exposing your emotions and heartbreak to the world. The emotional wear and tear is going to effect your emotions and your appearance. My heart and prayers go to Maria and her children.

By observer

Hard to beleive she didn't know or suspect something until now....she may be just trying to save face and not look so stupid. Didn't she ever see that boy? From what I can tell he looks just like Arnold.

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