Madonna and Guy - biggest divorce in history?

By Ben Schofield on Oct 15, 08 12:59 PM

Guy & Madonna.jpg

ONE OF the world's most glamorous couples, Madonna and Guy Richie, could be set to announce the largest divorce battle in showbiz history, according to city lawyers.

Rumours suggest the American pop star and British movie director, who married in a lavish Scottish ceremony in 2000, are set to finalise divorce proceedings before Christmas.

Leading divorce lawyer Paul Barrow, of Quinn Barrow solicitors, in Liverpool, said: "Madonna and Guy Richie's divorce will certainly cause shock waves across the showbiz community and is likely to result in another huge celebrity settlement."

Barrow continued: "With Madonna's fortune alone estimated at £300 million, it could very possibly be the largest divorce settlement ever seen and while I am sure the couple would be hoping for a more amicable split than fellow A-lister Paul McCartney, the stakes are big and tensions are bound to run high between the couple."

The couple have spent the majority of their married life in a £7m home in London living with their three children, Rocco, eight, and David, three and Lourdes, 12, Madonna's daughter from a previous relationship.

Barrow added: "I am sure the couple are considering the effect their decision has had on their children and I hope that unlike previous showbiz divorces the children take priority when considering the settlement.

"A huge value of assets are involved in the case, from both sides, and while the relationship has clearly broken down I hope their lawyers are able to come to a suitable arrangement which will accommodate both parties.

"My estimation, however, would be that in cases which involve such a enormous sum the divorce is unlikely to run as smoothly as the couple may initially hope and hostility between the couple should be expected."