McCourt trial set for Aug. 30, will run through stretch drive

By Gene Maddaus Tue., Mar. 30 2010 at 4:42 PM

Categories: Sports

The Dodger divorce trial will begin on Aug. 30, a Superior Court commissioner ruled today. The divorce trial of Frank and Jamie McCourt is expected to run at least through the end of September, meaning it should add some extra drama to the Dodgers' pennant run.

At stake is the ownership of the team. Frank McCourt says the team is his alone, while Jamie McCourt says they co-own the club. The parties were ordered today to hold settlement talks before the trial, but a settlement looks unlikely.

Frank McCourt's lawyers, led by Sorrell Trope, have urged that the trial take place as soon as possible.

Commissioner Scott Gordon, who has yet to rule on Jamie McCourt's request for temporary spousal support, set aside 11 trial days from Aug. 30 to Sept. 30.

Jamie's attorneys, led by Dennis Wasser, estimated that it could take up to 20 days, making it possible that the trial will stretch into November. (The lawyers said they are busy in October, so it looks like the trial won't coincide with the playoffs and the World Series.)