Gigolos and paramours beware: Judge orders V. Stiviano to return $2.6m to Shelly Sterling

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Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, right, and V. Stiviano, left, watch the Clippers play the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles. The NBA is investigating a report of an audio recording in which a man purported to be Sterling makes racist remarks while speaking to Stiviano. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement Saturday, April 26, 2014, that the league is in the process of authenticating the validity of the recording posted on TMZ's website. Bass called the comments "disturbing and offensive."

A judge has ordered V. Stivano, former companion of Donald Sterling, to return $2.6 million in gifts and cash from the billionaire to his wife, Shelly.

A judge has ordered V. Stiviano, former companion of Donald Sterling, to return $2.6 million in gifts and cash from the billionaire to his wife, Shelly.

Shelly Sterling took Stiviano to court,claiming that the younger woman seduced and hoodwinked her husband into giving her a luxury duplex, expensive cars and some $800,000 in cash.

Stiviano’s lawyer argued that the gifts were given when the Sterlings were separated, and the case should be dismissed.

The ruling is tentative. Stiviano’s lawyer says she plans to appeal the decision.

How common is such a ruling? Does it set any precedent in family law? What are the implications of the ruling?

Guest:

Donald Schweitzer, certified family law lawyer and managing partner at the law firm Donald P Schweitzer in Pasadena