Joel R. Glucksman
Partner
201-896-7095 jglucksman@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford Files for Bankruptcy
Author: Joel R. Glucksman
Date: July 5, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
After months of speculation about whether actress Kelly Rutherford would be able to overcome her financial difficulties, the former Gossip Girl actress officially files for bankruptcy.
Rutherford, who played an Upper East Side divorcée on the hit television drama, has cited her own divorce from German businessman Daniel Giersch and the bitter custody battle that ensued as the cause of her financial insolvency. Following the couple’s high-profile divorce in 2008, both parties lobbied for sole custody of their two children. In 2012, a judge ruled that the children would live with their father in France, after the businessman’s visa was revoked and he was unable to return to the United States. As a result, Rutherford reports that legal fees she incurred to get her children back coupled with her frequent travel costs have weakened her finances.
“I’ve traveled 40 times to either facilitate contact with their dad or visit them and bring them back and forth and paid for everything,” Rutherford told E! News in April. “Every penny from ‘Gossip Girl,’ my pension, my stocks, it’s all been spent fighting for my children.”
In court documents, Rutherford – who paid roughly $1.5 million in legal fees – states that she was previously earning up to $486,000 when the Gossip Girl series ended in fall 2012. However, she cited $2 million in liabilities in court documents and listed her monthly income as $1,279.33. She listed total assets of $23,937, TMZ.com first reported. Further, the actress owes roughly $350,000 for income taxes in 2012 and $25,251 in American Express credit card charges, according to the Business Insider.
Rutherford filed for Chapter 7 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in California, meaning that she plans to liquidate her total assets to repay her debt. Chapter 7 is typically filed when individuals have limited property and assets, and have little income remaining after paying their basic necessary expenses.
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business, Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.