Ep 2. Harden vs. Coburn

In episode 2 of season 22, Divorce Court introduces us to the case of Harden vs. Coburn. The episode opens with Judge Lynn Toler's introduction of the couple and their struggles, highlighting that they have been together for 16 years and married for 11. The couple comes to court seeking an end to their marriage, but with no resolution to how they will divide their assets.

As their case begins, Harden and Coburn recount their story. Coburn reveals that while she has always had a good job, she recently lost her employment after getting injured at work. She was unable to work for several months and had to take a lower paying job as a result. Harden, a truck driver, admits that he has been unfaithful in the past. However, he claims that he has made a commitment to change his behavior. Coburn is skeptical and expresses her concern that he may stray again.

Throughout the episode, Judge Toler notes that the couple has zero communication skills and that this is their primary problem. She points out that most of the issues they present could be resolved if they just sat down and talked through them. However, this couple seems to have a complete lack of willingness to do so.

Judge Toler starts by asking Harden what he wants in the divorce, and he says he wants to keep his house, his truck, and his dog. Coburn argues that she wants half of everything as they were married for over a decade. Harden interrupts her, stating that she has only been working for less than a year, and before that, he has been the one who has been providing for them.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Harden has been hiding assets. Coburn only finds out when Judge Toler asks to see all of their accounts, and it is revealed that Harden has kept a large sum of money in a separate account. After this bombshell, the conversation starts to take a darker turn. Coburn becomes very emotional, and the fight becomes heated.

Judge Toler has to step in to keep the conversation civil. Harden issues a reluctant apology, and both parties decide it's time to move on to the next phase of their case.

The next part of the episode sees the parties fight over who gets their dog. As it turns out, the dog was a gift from Coburn to Harden. Yet, Harden maintains that the dog is his as he is the one who has taken care of him for over a year. Coburn insists that since her name is on the bill of sale, she should be able to keep him.

In the final episode section, Judge Toler starts to deliberate. She notes that the biggest problem facing this couple is their inability to communicate. She stresses that if they don't find a way to talk, they will continue to have failed relationships.

Ultimately, Judge Toler grants Coburn her claim to half of everything, including the dog, which will reside with her. However, given that Harden has been hiding assets, she orders him to pay Coburn $10,000 in reparations.

The episode ends with Judge Toler sharing her wisdom on the importance of communication in a marriage. She stresses that failing to communicate does not absolve a couple of their responsibilities, and there are always consequences for any resulting breach of trust.

In summary, this episode of Divorce Court showcases a couple with poor communication skills. It also highlights the challenges they face with asset allocation and trust issues. Ultimately, Judge Toler's ruling stresses the importance of transparency, honesty, and communication in any marriage.