Celebeat Exclusive: Vikki Ziegler Dishes On Divorce And 'Untying The Knot'
Vikki Ziegler is the newest Bravolebrity and in a new interview with Celebeat, she's dishing on divorce and her new series.
Speaking to Celebeat, Ziegler opened up about how she got started in law and revealed her ties to fellow Bravo series, Million Dollar Listing: New York.
When did you decide to be a divorce attorney?
When my parents divorced when I was 12 yrs old and I was involved in their custody dispute. I recommended living one week with my mom and the other week with my dad. Thats what the judge ordered and my quest to help children in divorce was born.
What is the best part of the job?
Helping couples resolve their differences and avoid and long drawn out divorce battle.
And your least favorite part?
Litigating for years when couples are emotionally and financially at their wire end.
How did you get approached about Untying The Knot?
I have been an on air guest discussing celebrity divorces and other legal issues on several cable networks. I was approached to do a divorce show and we came up with a concept and Bravo bought the series.
Did you have any reservations about reality TV?
I have no control of editing but believe in what I do and had confidence in my production team and in bravo so I did not hesitate to say YES!
How involved were you in how the series was shot?
Very. This is an unscripted reality show. Couples are actually getting divorced and are very emotional. I dealt with them like I do with my cases I mediate in my office. I gave it my all to try to resolve their differences and allow them to divorce with dignity.
Are you a fan of other Bravo series? If so, which ones?
Yes. I love bravo.. love Million Dollar Listing: NY as my husband works for Nest Seekers like Ryan [Serhant] and I watch [the] Real Housewives franchise.
What has been your most memorable moment during filming so far?
At the end of one mediation we all started crying. It was so emotional and such a great ending to allow them both to work on divorcing and getting on with the next chapter of their lives.
Do you have a favorite couple from the season?
Yes, but can’t tell you to the end or maybe a reunion recap!
Which pair was most difficult to deal with?
The couple this week was difficult as Golan waned to fight and I needed to talk sense into him..
Is there any particular scene you are excited to see in the remainder of the season?
Yes, there is a lesbian couple that I think people have never seen before on air.
Can you tell us a bit about what is to come in the next several episodes?
Fights over furs, jewels, paintings, dogs, inherited items and many other assets. Lots of crying and pain but good results.
Will we see your love life at all on the show?
No, but I am happily married. Maybe next season.
Do you pull from your own experience with divorce when dealing with clients?
Yes. My parents and my own divorce. You have to walk in others shoes to really experience their pain.
Would you be on board for a second season if the opportunity presented itself?
OH YES! I loved the opportunity.
In your opinion, which recent celebrity split has been the most shocking?
Antonio Banderas and Melaine Griffith who made it 18 years and seemed like they beat the odds but unfortunately they didn’t …..
Why do you think divorce is so prevalent in Hollywood?
They don’t plan for the marriage only for the wedding. They need better pre marital planning hence the title of my book as well as the fact that most celebs are traveling and spend a great deal of time apart. They need to work on communication, trust and unconditional love.
In addition to handling divorces, what else are you involved with?
Creating an app for my website www.divorcedating.com, speak all over the country about prenup sand divorce, sell the cutest phone purses (on www.vikkiziegler.com) wrote The Pre-Marital Planner, adjunct professor at Fotdham Law School, talking head, have a movie script and 2 other show concepts.
Untying The Knot airs on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on Bravo.