The news that Whitney Houston has filed for divorce from Bobby Brown isn’t so simple, of course. Her friends and family are in battle mode now, prepared to protect her, they tell me, during this fragile time. Houston has filed for a separation using a Southern California address — and that’s key to what’s going on here. She really lives in both Georgia and New Jersey, where she owns expensive homes. But her divorce filing indicates that she’s lived in California since April. The state requires six-month residency for a divorce, so Whitney will file for the permanent parting next month. Sources tell me that she has indeed been in California since April, undergoing a total rehab for all her vices and illnesses. “It’s not a regular treatment facility,” says a source who cautions that everyone is concerned about Whitney suddenly being overwhelmed by media. Still, eagle-eyed readers who’ve examined the divorce filing can see that Houston lists Laguna Hills, Calif., as her address. There are only a couple of facilities that could handle her situation. But in that spirit, all that this column can do is beg paparazzi and tabloid snoops to stay away. It’s in their best interests anyway: a healthy, long-living Whitney will only provide much future fodder for you. It will be much more exciting to tell the tale of Whitney Houston’s comeback than her demise. Houston’s insiders are mostly worried that Brown will interfere with her plans or her progress. It’s a reasonable fear. And then there’s Houston’s choice of divorce venue. Georgia might actually be a better state for her, since there are 13 different ways to claim a divorce. California, on the other hand, is simply a no-fault state, so Houston won’t be able to accuse Brown of any number of infelicities. The good news: sources tell me that the couple signed a pre-nup years ago, so the state of filing may not matter at all.
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That explains why she looked so much better earlier this week.
