Long-term marriages often make for the most difficult divorce cases, usually because of financial reasons. Throw a 23-year marriage and a Hollywood couple together in one divorce case, and get ready for complications.

Such is the situation of the divorce between experienced actor Michael Douglas and his ex-wife Diandra Douglas. The couple divorced ten years ago, and their divorce proceedings were long and complicated enough that they were all recorded on tape for future record.

Those recordings are likely coming in handy now, because the details of the Douglases' divorce are being rehashed in a New York courtroom.

Since the 2000 divorce, Diandra Douglas has made about $6.3 million from proceeds off of her ex's work, but she is arguing now that she also deserves a share of the large amount of money that Michael Douglas' new project is likely to earn.

The actor is starring in the upcoming sequel to the movie "Wall Street," released in 1987. He is taking up his previous role in the original movie and is a major part of the sequel that opens in theaters next month.

Diandra Douglas claims that she has a right to proceeds from the new film based on the point in the couple's divorce contract that states she gets a share of all proceeds made from spinoffs of Michael Douglas' work with which he was involved during their 23-year marriage.

Michael Douglas and his legal representation argue that Diandra Douglas has no right to the profit that the "Wall Street" sequel earns because no plans to create the sequel were even set at the time of the couple's marriage or divorce.

In order for a judge to determine how to rule in this case, it will be necessary to decide what exactly a spinoff is in the eyes of the law. A judge can then decide whether the proceeds made from Michael Douglas' new movie are actually marital property based on the couple's divorce contract. 

Resources

The Associated Press: Douglas, ex clashing over 'Wall Street' cash in NY (8/24/2010)