Here is a perfect example of why Wealthy Americans should keep their divorce cases private and out of court. The link included here from the New York Times, Memorandum Order in Hamm Case – NYTimes.com , shows the entire judgment entered in the Divorce of Harold and Sue Ann Hamm. The media is reporting a total settlement of $995 million to Sue Ann. My read shows a total of over $1 Billion including the $25 million in marital property confirmed to her in the judgment and the Equalization payment of $995 million.

Perhaps more importantly this judgment lays open the entire history of the family including allegations of affairs, details of private business dealings and Ms. Hamm’s request to return to her maiden last name. The judgment lays out a complete history of the development of Mr. Hamm’s business ventures including successes and failures from Mr. Hamm’s upbringing at the 13th child of a farming family.