Five of the most expensive celebrity divorces of all time

Divorce has become somewhat of a normal occurrence in Hollywood. Although the occasional split will shock audiences, celebrity break-ups are generally unsurprising – if not already expected. The real story comes when the settlement amounts are revealed. Here are some of Hollywood’s priciest splits so far:


Madonna and Guy Ritchie – $90 million

Image Source: brisbanetimes.com.au

 
















Madonna, then 53, and Guy Ritchie, who was 43, made headlines with their split after eight solid years of marriage– an eternity in modern Hollywood. Madonna opened up eventually, saying the relationship lost its flame and left her wondering if true love even existed.



Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey – $150 million

Image Source: unterhaltung.de.msn.com

The pair was wed long before Neil Diamond’s hit records were even produced. After a marriage that lasted a quarter of a century, Murphey walked away in 1995 with the rough equivalent of $6 million for each year the two spent together.


Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver – $250-375 million

Image Source: irishcentral.com

 















This celebrity split requires no introduction, though it may not be on this list in a few months’ time. As of recent reports, the two are working on reconciling and are in "no rush" to finalize their divorce after Schwarzenegger was forced to admit he had an affair with the couple’s housekeeper, resulting in a public scandal and a half-brother for his four children.


 Mel and Robyn Gibson – $425 million

Image Source: celebritynetworth.com

 















After one daughter, six sons, and 31 years of marriage, the actor and filmmaker split his hard-earned $850 million in half to end a five-year settlement battle. The couple cited "irreconcilable differences," but Gibson admits the separation began after his arrests for alcohol-related behavior.


Rupert and Anna Murdoch – $1.7 billion

Image Source: thestreet.com

 














Though not celebrities per se, this couple makes the list for breaking through the 10-figure ceiling with their gargantuan settlement. It was widely known that Anna wanted her husband to retire, but it seemed Rupert would sooner give the marriage up than his time with News Corp.



Even though they are highly publicized, celebrity divorce cases receive no special treatment under the law. Michael Kelly, an attorney, specializes in family law and litigation for clients across a range of industries and visibility levels. Read more about his work on this website.