Although this documentary begins with the deceit and manipulation of lawyers, it ends with a much more powerful scoundrel.
Narrated by Dr. Drew Pinksy, Divorce Corp is a surprising exposé of the inner workings of the $50 billion a year U.S. family law industry. Yes, that’s right $50 billion! The film sheds light on how divorce lawyers are ripping off their clients by charging ridiculous amounts of money, ranging from $400-$900 per hour. Which proves to be quite a profit, when the lawyers are spending years on one case. Often times the divorce lasts longer than the marriage. But the deception doesn’t stop there. Throughout the film we are shown how everyone involved in the family court justice system partakes in extortion, bias judgment, and appalling scandals.
Director, Joe Sorge provides interviews by the nation’s top divorce lawyers, mediators, judges, politicians, litigants, and journalists. And might I say these lawyers have no problem admitting the shady way they do business. Clients seem to believe the more money a lawyer charges, the more “skilled” they are. When in fact, the name of the game for these divorce lawyers is, “How much money can we make off these people? That’s the standard.”
About halfway through the film, the lawyers start looking like puppets getting their strings pulled by the true villain of the film. The ever so controlling judge! Taking actions as if they were God, the portrayal of every judge publicized is unspeakable and quite frankly, terrifying. You are completely helpless once a judge has your life in their hands, and it is best not to rub them the wrong way.
In comparison to the recent documentary I reviewed over the same topic, Romeo Misses A Payment, this one fell a little short for me. Divorce Corp is better in a technical aspect- professionally shot, well prepared interviews, dramatizations with decent actors, and a celebrity voice over (i.e. Dr. Drew). Yet, somehow this documentary lacked the immediate emotional connection I felt with Romeo Misses A Payment. The film starts out a bit slow and repetitive. As it picks up with personal stories of affected parents, you just become angry at how messed up the family court is; and how when it really comes down to it, there doesn’t seem to be anything anyone can do to fix it.
A glimmer of hope is shined when we see the comparison of how much simpler and cheaper it is to get a divorce in other countries like Scandinavia. A country that views men and women as equals, therefore their divorce system is easy and free.
Divorce Corp is an astonishing documentary that leaves the question “Is anyone actually getting a fair trial in family court?” Feelings of hope and happiness may not occur after watching this film, but this is a must see for anyone who is considering marriage or a divorce.
Divorce Corp hits theaters January 10th.
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com