No one goes into marriage with the aim of getting divorced because we always think of happily ever after. No one gets married hoping to make the news as one of the costliest divorces in history.
But when differences are not resolved on time, issues get complicated which may lead to both parties feeling unfulfilled in the marriage. Most times, they either go their separate ways for a period of time or outrightly divorce.
Divorce is never easy as it causes a lot of emotional distress for everyone involved. However, this process can be bearable if you are settled with a huge sum of money.
So, let us go through some of the costliest divorces in history:
Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos
Their divorce in 2019 is the most expensive so far. Mackenzie Bezos left the marriage with a settlement worth $38 billion. This tops the list of costliest divorces in history.
Jocelyn Wildenstein and Alec Wildenstein
When Alec Wildenstein divorced his wife Jocelyn Wildenstein in 1999, she received $2.5 billion up front and then $100 million every year for 13 years. The settlement in total was a staggering $3.8 billion.
Anna Torv and Rupert Murdoch
Rupert divorce in 1999 from Anna led to her leaving the marriage with $1.7 billion
Slavica Radić and Bernie Ecclestone
Their divorce in 2009 was said to be the most expensive at that time because Slavica Radić was settled with $1.2 billion
Sue Ann Arnall and Harold Hamm
In 2012, CEO Harold Hamm handed over a $974.8 million cheque to his wife Sue Ann Hamm after twenty-four years of marriage to settle their divorce.
Adnan and Soraya Khashoggi
Saudi Arabian billionaire, Adnan Khashoggi in 1980, paid his ex-wife a divorce settlement of $874 million after 20 years together.
Steven and Elaine Wynn
In 2010, this couple got divorced and Elaine was given the sum of $741 million as her settlement.
Elena Rybolovlev and Dmitry Rybolovlev
In 2008, Dmitry and Elena Rybolovlev ended their marriage after 26 years together.
In 2014, after a lot of negotiations Dmitry paid his ex-wife a sum of $604 million.
Craig and Wendy McCaw
In 1998, Craig McCaw separated from Wendy McCaw but she left their 21-year marriage with a $460 million settlement.
Robyn Moore and Mel Gibson
After 26 years together, Mel and Robyn Moore Gibson finalized their divorce in 2011 despite being separated since 2006. The settlement was worth $425 million
Robert Johnson and Sheila Crump Johnson
Despite being married for 32 years, Bob and Sheila Johnson announced their divorce in 2002 and Sheila walked away with $400 million.
Brad and Angelina Jolie
When Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie announced their divorce in 2016, Angelina Jolie was settled with $400 million.
Irina Abramovich and Roman Abramovich
In 2007, Roman Abramovich divorced his wife Irina after 16 years of marriage. She walked out of the marriage with a settlement worth $300 million.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver
In 2011, after 25 years of marriage, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s marriage ended due to his infidelity.
She walked away with $250 million and had legal custody of their children.
Marlene Fipke and Charles Edgar Fipke
This couple went their separate ways in 2000 and Marlene got $200 million as part of her settlement.
Michael Polsky and Maya Polsky
When Michael divorced his wife Maya, she walked out of the marriage with $184 million.
Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy
In 2006, Michael and Juanita Jordan’s marriage came to an end after 17 years together.
Juanita Vanoy got a $168 million settlement, custody of their children and their Chicago mansion.
Boris Berezovsky and Galina Besharova
When this couple got divorced in 2010 after 19 years of marriage, Galina was settled with $160 million.
Marcia Murphey and Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey divorced in 1995 despite being together for 25 years. Murphy had a $150 million settlement when the divorce was finalized.
Jamie McCourt and Frank McCourt
In 2011, Frank and Jamie announced their divorce after 32 years of marriage. Jamie left the marriage with $130 as part of her settlement.
Laura Andrassy and Greg Norman
Despite being married for 26 years, Greg and Laura went their separate ways in 2007. Laura was given a sum of $103 million as part of her settlement.
Melissa Mathison and Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison were together for 21 years. In 2004, they divorced and Mathison ended up with a $118 million settlement.
Elin Nordegren and Tiger Woods
In 2010, after 6 years of marriage Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegen went their separate ways when he admitted he had been having affairs. Elin received a $110 million divorce settlement.
Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving
Steven and Amy Irving Spielberg’s marriage was just three and a half years when they got divorced in 1985. It was finalized with a $100 million divorce settlement.
Madonna and Guy Ritchie
Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s marriage came to an end in 2008 after seven years together
Guy walked away with $92 million as his divorce settlement.
Cindy Silva and Kevin Costner
Married for 16 years, Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva announced their divorce in 1994.
After an amicable agreement, Cindy was settled with a sum of $80 million.
Dr Khoo Kay Peng and Pauline Chai
This couple were married for 47 years but they decided to get a divorce in 2017. Pauline walked out of the marriage with $80 million.
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