Many Milwaukee residents probably know J. Crew, the clothing company beloved by Michelle Obama and other clotheshorses. If so, they are probably familiar with the face of J. Crew, Jenna Lyons. J. Crew has made Lyons, its president and creative director, a prominent fixture of its marketing campaigns. She usually appears in advertisements with her son to convey the message that it is possible to be a modern, career-oriented professional and parent — and to look great all the while.

The focus of that marketing strategy might need to change, though. Lyons recently filed for divorce from Vincent Mazeau, her husband since 2002, and is reportedly leaving him for a relationship with a woman.

It seems Lyons’ marriage to Mazeau fell apart this summer. Now, the two are trying to figure out a child custody arrangement for their son, Beckett.

Another unresolved issue is whether Lyons will have to pay Mazeau spousal support. Last year, she earned $4.2 million while he was primarily a stay-at-home dad. Mazeau has said he gave up on his career as an artist so that Lyons could pursue her career at J. Crew.

All in all, this has the makings for a rather contentious divorce. Money, fame and a professional reputation are at stake and if it’s true that Lyons left her husband for a woman, then there is just a whiff of scandal about the whole affair.

Generally speaking, in child custody cases, judges consider the best interests of the child. When it comes to spousal support, they look to each spouse’s need and to the other spouse’s ability to pay.

Now, that is really an over-generalization. Every relationship is unique and there are a host of other nuances and smaller factors that play into the situation. (Here, for instance, is true that Mazeau “gave up” his career as an artist? Many artists do not make it professionally; was he really “giving up” anything at all?)

If you are heading towards a divorce or need guidance in determining an acceptable child-custody arragement, it would be a good idea to have a conversation with a Milwaukee attorney who specializes in these matters. He or she will be able to elaborate more on all the details of what goes into child custody and spousal support decisions.

Source: The Daily Mail, “Millionaire J. Crew boss who painted five-year-old son’s toenails pink splits from husband — and moves on with lesbian lover,” Daniel Bates, Oct. 25, 2011