SHORT TAKES : King of Torts Not King of Castle
Lawyer Melvin Belli, known as the King of Torts for his winning ways with personal injury cases, has lost majority ownership of his $7-million mansion to his ex-wife in a divorce settlement.
Lia Belli will get to keep 70% ownership of the 25-room Pacific Heights house under terms of a settlement reached Wednesday after more than five hours of negotiations.
Other issues remain unresolved, including spousal support, according to Lia Belli’s lawyer, David Fink, who announced the settlement. Belli’s attorney, Paul Monzione, confirmed the settlement.
The couple separated in 1988 after 16 years of marriage.
It was 83-year-old Belli’s fifth marriage.
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