Kirk Kerkorian

By Attorney Gregg Herman
June 17, 2015

Today’s MJS reported that Kirk Kerkorian died.  Per the article:

Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, an eighth-grade dropout who built Las Vegas’ biggest hotels, tried to take over Chrysler and bought and sold MGM at a profit three times, has died. He was 98. He died Monday night in Beverly Hills, Calif. 

Kerkorian holds a special place in Family Law.

In 2002, Lisa Bonder, a former professional tennis player who 48 years younger than Kerkorian, claimed that Kerkorian, her ex-husband, was the father of her three year old child.  According to stories at the time, the parties faked a paternity test.  Bonder claimed that the:

…84-year-old casino and media mogul went along with the story to promote the virile image created by having a child with a woman less than half his age.  She added she got saliva for the DNA test from one of his daughters. Her lawyers also say Mr. Kerkorian affirmed his paternity in several sworn documents.

But that is not why the case is famous.  It is known for the most absurd proposal in the history of family law.  No, I am not being histrionic.   She requested over $320,000 per month – that’s per month in child support.  Her budget included:

Nannies: $6,850
Security guards: $47,450
Vacation home in France: $29,296 (every three-year old-should have one)
Eating out: $5,920
Household staff: $13,216.67
Lessons and tutors: $3,386
Food and care for pets: $436
Clothing and shoes: $2,500
Attorneys’ fees: $16,704.99 (that would be great – the attorney wouldn’t need another client!)
Parties: $14,083.33
Vegetation: $1,557 (to spruce indoor plants, trees.) 

It was later confirmed that Bonder’s ex-boyfriend was the father and Kerkorian was off the hook.  I could not find any confirmation about how much child support Bonder ended up receiving, but I’m going to guess that it was a shade less than $320K per month.

Attorney Gregg Herman is a founding partner of Loeb & Herman, LLC in Milwaukee, WI. He practices family law exclusively, and can be reached via e-mail or by calling (414) 272-5632.