Will Amber Heard File for Bankruptcy Following Depp Defamation Case Verdict?

A verdict has finally been reached in the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp defamation trial, and the outcome could land Heard in a heap of financial trouble. Because the court ruled in favor of Depp, Heard has been ordered to pay $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, according to CBS News (1).

While Heard was initially ordered to pay $15 million to the Pirates of the Caribbean star, Virginia law caps punitive damages at $350,000 which means the actress will only be liable for paying Depp $10.35 million. Despite the reduction in damages, Heard may not have enough to pay up as her net worth is being reported as negative $6 million, which includes the $10.35 million she must pay in damages(2).

Will Heard choose to appeal the court’s decision or file for bankruptcy?

Seeing that Amber Heard may not have enough to cover the damages she is now obligated to pay Depp, she could appeal the decision or file for bankruptcy. If she were to appeal the verdict, it could result in her having to pay less, though there is no guarantee that will be the outcome.

Bankruptcy might also not be a suitable option for Heard as the damages likely don’t qualify for discharge. The only other alternative for Heard to consider is to inform the court that she simply doesn’t have the money. Of course, she would be required to provide proof of this. Should Heard take this route, she could be putting her future earnings at risk of garnishment.

While it isn’t clear how much Heard actually has or what her decision is going to be, she has much to consider going forward.

When should someone consider filing for bankruptcy in Alabama?

When you can no longer meet your financial obligations and are facing serious debt as a result, bankruptcy might be an option. Of course, you’ll want to connect with an Alabama bankruptcy attorney near you to determine if your debt qualifies for discharge or if your circumstances allow for you to create a repayment plan through Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy offers many protections to individuals in St. Clair County who have fallen into a financial rut and you can learn more about what these are by contacting Hill, Gossett, Kemp & Hufford, P.C. A St. Clair County, AL bankruptcy attorney will take the time to assess your circumstances and determine if filing for bankruptcy is a suitable option for you.

Disclaimer: No representation is made that quality of legal services provided is greater than the quality of legal services provided by other attorneys.

Hill, Gossett, Kemp & Hufford, P.C. can be reached at:

Moody Office

2603 Moody Parkway, Suite 200

Moody, Alabama 35004

Phone: (205) 640-2000

Website: www.hwhlawgroup.com

Leeds Office

7900 Parkway Drive

Leeds, AL 35094

Phone: (205) 699-5500

Springville Office

6441 U.S. Highway 11

Springville, Alabama 35146

Phone: (205) 467-2225

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

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