Why Amber Heard Might Face an Uphill Battle in Obtaining Permanent Restraining Order Against Johnny Depp
Amber Heard had her first face-off with ex Johnny Depp's lawyers on Saturday with regard to a permanent restraining order she's requested against him, but family law specialist Christopher Melcher tells ET she could face a long road ahead.
"It's basically going to be a he-said, she-said of his words against hers," says Melcher, who does not represent either party. "To prove a permanent restraining order, she has to establish that Johnny hit her or stalked her or harassed her -- things like that."
WATCH: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's Restraining Order Hearing Postponed to August
Heard, 30, was granted a temporary restraining order against Depp, 53, on May 27, after alleging that Depp was both emotionally and physically abusive towards her throughout their relationship. Depp's attorney, Laura Wasser, has responded to Heard's allegations, claiming that Heard is "attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse."
The estranged couple were only married a year and, according to Melcher, they could end up spending more time in court than they did in their marriage.
"A divorce case in this situation could take longer than the marriage itself," Melcher explains.
WATCH: Amber Heard's Friend Recounts the Alleged Abuse That Led to Him Calling 911 on Johnny Depp
Their next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, where both parties are expected to go over any requests for next week's restraining order hearing, scheduled for Aug. 15. The latter hearing is where each party will present their case with regard to Heard's permanent restraining order request.
Depp doesn't seem to be letting the situation get to him. On Sunday, he was snapped lounging on his private yacht in Ibiza, sporting a new mohawk.