MADONNA'S recently-announced divorce proceedings from film director husband Guy Ritchie has made waves across the city's legal offices.
Here's what two of Liverpool's top divorce lawyers thought about the a-list break-up.
Helen Marriott, partner and head of family law at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP, says:
“If Madonna and Guy Ritchie have decided to end their marriage, they face a legal minefield given their different levels of personal wealth and the fact they may be able to claim residency in a number of countries.
“There is another level of complication over whether they signed a pre-nuptial agreement prior to their marriage and, if so, in which country this is valid.
“If there is no pre-nuptial agreement, my advice would be for Guy to file for divorce in this country without further delay.
“The divorce courts in the UK are notoriously generous in comparison to other countries.
“By getting in there quickly, he can try to avoid the situation where Madonna files for divorce in a jurisdiction that is considered much less generous in its settlements to the less wealthy spouse.
“The fact that the man in the relationship is the less wealthy party makes the situation all the more intriguing.
“In many respects, it’s the reverse scenario to that faced by Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills, albeit Guy Ritchie enjoys greater personal wealth - and a stronger public reputation – than the former Mrs McCartney.
“I hope that lessons can be learned from previous high-profile divorces and the matter can be finalised without acrimony and away from the public eye."
Carole Atkinson, partner and family law expert at Mace & Jones, commented:
“The fact that Madonna did not arrange a pre-nuptial before her marriage to Guy Ritchie has surprised many people, especially given that pre-nuptials are common place in America.
"However, whilst pre-nuptials provide a guideline to courts in the UK, they are not binding in this country. The fact that Madonna and Guy Ritchie have children together may well negate any pre-nuptial that had been put in place.
"Whilst we can only speculate the true value of Madonna’s personal wealth, she is undoubtedly the wealthier partner.
"Courts do not take into consideration the sex of the parties and as the main breadwinner, the likelihood is that Madonna will have to make a settlement to Mr Ritchie.
"The fact that their marriage lasted for seven years will strengthen Mr Ritchie’s claim. Madonna will have to maintain Mr Ritchie’s lifestyle, providing him with a home for himself and their children and with an income to live on.
"One possible advantage for Madonna is that her children are still relatively young and it is likely they will live with her. She will therefore not have to pay Mr Ritchie child support.
"Dragging proceedings through the courts for many months will not reduce Mr Ritchie’s claim. If Mace & Jones were to advise Madonna, we would recommend that both parties enter into a collaborative agreement, which would ensure that the settlement is agreed in private.
"Furthermore , it is absolutely essential that both parties sign a non-disclosure agreement, which would prevent the media intrusion experienced by Paul McCartney.�