The rich and famous will probably always be in the news for one reason or another. However, one thing they never want to be in the news for is an expensive divorce.
An Oklahoma divorce going on since May 2012 is being dubbed by some as the world’s most expensive divorce. Oilman Harold Hamm, one of the top 100 richest men in the world, and his wife of 30 years, Sue Ann, are getting divorced. There is no evidence of a prenuptial agreement so far, and some estimates put the cost of the divorce to Harold at $5 billion.
Here’s a look at some other divorces that are among the most costly in history.
Rupert and Anna Murdoch: The current title for world's most expensive divorce is held by News Corp. founder Rupert Murdoch at the cost of $1.7 billion, when he split from his second wife, Anna Murdoch in 1999. Murdoch recently announced he and his third wife are divorcing, but they have a prenuptial agreement in place. Even still, some estimate this third divorce will cost Murdoch $1.8 billion.
Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein: When Jocelyn walked in on Alec and a 19-year old girl (42 years his junior) in a rendezvous, the art dealer’s marriage was over. Jocelyn received an estimated $2.5 billion in the divorce settlement (which, if true would surpass Rupert Murdoch’s divorce) and $100 million every year for 13 years thereafter.
Steve Wynn and Elaine Pascal: Elaine received 11 million shares of Wynn Resorts stock in her divorce, worth $741 million.
Mel Gibson and Robyn Moore: After 26 years of marriage, Robyn received $425 million in their 2006 divorce, making it one of the largest divorce settlements in Hollywood history.
Michael and Juanita Jordan: Divorced in 2006 after 17 years of marriage, Juanita received $168 million in the settlement, their seven-acre Chicago mansion, and custody of their three children.
It’s important to plan ahead so your divorce doesn’t make the news for these very reasons. Have a prenuptial agreement in place, and get an experienced Pinellas County divorce attorney on your team.