If this is your first time going through divorce then you probably have a number of questions about what to expect during the separation process. Like a lot of Americans, you likely don’t want to be blindsided by the process and have turned to the Internet for answers.

Unfortunately when it comes to divorce, no two cases are alike. Some are dictated by a prenuptial agreement and take little time to complete while others can turn into long, drawn-out legal battles. Some are riddled with complex legal issues that can lead to contentious disputes while others are simple matters that end amicably.

It’s important to remember this fact before reading the case we are about to present to you. Because not all cases are the same, not all outcomes are the same either. But there is something else this case points out that our New York readers should keep in mind as well: not all states have the same laws when it comes to the divorce process either.

In this week’s post we wanted to showcase the story of Sherri Shepherd who is best known for her work as a former host of “The View.” As some of you may already know, she is currently going through a particularly bitter separation from her estranged husband. But what makes her case so complex is the potential child custody battle their divorce could create.

The surrogacy the couple entered into was a complex one. While the baby boy that was born recently in Pennsylvania is biologically related to Shepherd’s estranged husband, the child is not biologically related to Shepherd. This sparked questions concerning child support payments and even custody back in May when the couple announced their split.

With full custody having been given to the soon-to-be-ex husband, Shepherd has asked the courts to waive her parental rights, which would make her not liable for child support payments down the road. It’s important to point out though that this may not be a simple decision for the courts because both Shepherd and her estranged husband have filed for divorce in separate states, both different from where the child was born. This could leave the courts arguing over jurisdiction, dragging out the case and adding to frustrations.

Source: Eonline.com, “Sherri Shepherd’s Surrogate Gives Birth to Baby Boy, Divorce Battle With Ex Still Continues,” Lily Harrison, Aug. 6, 2014