In the sunshine state of Florida, where luxurious lifestyles are not uncommon, divorces can escalate into high-stakes legal battles, resulting in eye-watering settlements and asset divisions.
From celebrity splits to high-profile business moguls parting ways, Florida has seen its fair share of jaw-dropping divorce settlements. Learn more about the stories behind some of the most expensive divorces in Florida’s history.
Divorce Often Comes at a Hefty Price for Florida Residents
In Florida, asset and debt divisions follow the equitable distribution principle. Under this framework, the presumption is that each spouse will typically receive an equal share, or 50%, of the marital estate’s value, though exceptions may apply. [1]
The marital estate, subject to court division, includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, whether acquired individually or jointly.
Here are the most expensive separations in Florida:
1. Dmitry Rybolovlev’s $4.5 billion divorce saga
2. Sophie Turner’s divorce from Joe Jonas
3. Mel Gibson’s divorce, estimated at $425 million
4. Michael Jordan’s divorce, estimated at $168 million
5. Neil Diamond’s divorce, estimated at $150 million
6. Garth Brooks’ divorce, estimated at $125 million
7. Tiger Woods’ $100 million divorce
8. Steven Spielberg’s divorce, estimated at $100 million
9. Madonna’s divorce, estimated at $76–$92 million
1. The $4.5 billion divorce saga of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev
In May, a Swiss court issued a landmark decree in the divorce case of Dmitry Rybolovlev, also known as the “fertilizer king,” ordering him to pay his ex-wife Elena over $4 billion. As a part-time resident of Palm Beach, Rybolovlev’s divorce saga resonated with the affluent community, serving as a cautionary tale for those with substantial net worth and without prenuptial agreements.
The court mandated Rybolovlev to provide $100,000 per month in child support for their youngest daughter Anna. [2]
2. Joe Jonas divorce with Sophie Turner
Jonas and Turner moved to their $11 million Miami mansion shortly after selling their Los Angeles home in September 2021.
On September 5, 2023, Joe Jonas filed for divorce from Sophie Turner. Shockingly, Turner learned about the divorce filing through the media, as stated in her lawsuit. The day after, the couple issued a joint statement on their Instagram accounts, announcing their mutual decision to end their four-year marriage amicably.
As for the reason behind Joe Jonas’s filing for divorce, court documents reveal that the marriage was deemed “irretrievably broken.” The petition also sought shared custody of their two young daughters, prioritizing their best interests.
It was disclosed that the former couple had a prenuptial agreement in place, which had been established over two weeks prior to the divorce announcement. [3]
3. Mel Gibson divorce: estimated at $425 million
Mel Gibson’s divorce from his wife of nearly 30 years, Robyn, has been finalized, marking the end of their marriage but also initiating what is considered the largest divorce settlement in Hollywood history. The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, meaning Robyn, 55, was entitled to half of Mel’s estimated fortune, which was once valued at around $850 million according to the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2006.
Robyn’s entitlement to half of Mel Gibson’s earnings during their marriage encompasses a vast array of assets, including over $600 million generated by The Passion of the Christ, $100 million in global real estate investments (such as a $15 million island in Fiji), and $75 million from film and TV projects in which Mel, 55, served as an executive producer.
As part of the settlement, Robyn already received ownership of two Malibu properties valued at a combined $22.5 million. Additionally, she is entitled to a share of all future film residuals that Mel receives for the rest of his life.
Mel used to live in Malibu, with his wife Robyn. Mel and Robyn were married since 1980. They separated in 2008, and Robyn filed for divorce in late 2009. [4]
4. Michael Jordan divorce: estimated at $168 million
In January 2002, Juanita Vanoy filed for divorce from basketball legend Michael Jordan after 12 years of marriage. The decision coincided with Jordan’s decision to come out of retirement to play for the NBA’s Washington Wizards.
In her filing, Vanoy sought permanent custody of their children, ownership of their Chicago mansion, and a fair share of their marital assets. Jordan, acknowledging their failed efforts to salvage the marriage, expressed that further attempts would be impractical for the family’s well-being.
Despite the initial divorce filing, the couple announced just a month later that they were working on reconciling their relationship, prompting Vanoy to withdraw her petition. However, in 2006, they ultimately decided to proceed with the divorce once again.
Their divorce, finalized in 2006, was described as amicable by their lawyers, who issued a joint statement confirming the end of their 17-year marriage. Following the split, Vanoy received one of the most substantial celebrity divorce settlements in sports history—a staggering $168 million payout, although Jordan retained ownership of their Chicago mansion. [5]
5. Neil Diamond divorce: estimated at $150 million
Neil Diamond’s divorce from Marcia Murphey proved to be one of the costliest in music industry history. With Diamond earning over $14 million annually and their 25-year marriage factored in, the divorce settlement amounted to a substantial sum.
Despite the financial implications, Diamond surprised many with his reaction to the settlement, stating that Murphey was “worth every penny.” He expressed contentment knowing that she would be financially secure for the rest of her life, affirming, “She got enough to live on for the rest of her life.”
Reflecting on the divorce, Diamond admitted feeling remorseful but noted that it occurred two decades ago and he had moved on emotionally. Despite the end of their marriage, he maintained communication with Murphey over the years, particularly regarding their children. [6]
6. Garth Brooks divorce: estimated at $125 million
Garth Brooks, an iconic figure in country music, shares a significant chapter of his life with his former spouse, songwriter Sandy Mahl. Their marriage, spanning 15 years and blessed with three children, came to an end in the year 2000, marking one of the most notable celebrity divorces in history.
Amidst their successful careers and the demands of Brooks’ touring schedule, the couple faced irreconcilable differences, leading to their decision to part ways. Mahl later revealed that the extensive time Brooks spent away from home due to his music career strained their relationship beyond repair. The constant cycle of tours, events, and accolades kept them apart for long stretches, causing them to drift apart.
The divorce was finalized on December 17, 2001, with Mahl receiving a staggering $125 million settlement. Despite the end of their marital relationship, they maintained joint custody of their three daughters—Taylor, August, and Allie—who have since grown into adulthood.
Mahl’s contributions to Brooks’s career were significant, even earning credits in two songs from his debut album. Despite the challenges they faced during their marriage, Brooks later acknowledged the toll his fame took on Mahl and expressed regret for not fully comprehending her struggles at the time.
Despite their divorce, Brooks and Mahl maintained an amicable relationship, reflecting mutual respect and understanding. Their journey serves as a testament to the complexities of fame, marriage, and personal growth in the spotlight of the music industry. [7]
7. Tiger Woods divorce: estimated at $100 million
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren’s marriage faced a tumultuous period in 2009 when Tiger’s affair with Rachel Uchitel was exposed by the National Enquirer. Subsequently, it emerged that Uchitel was not the only person with whom Tiger had been unfaithful to his wife.
In 2010, their divorce settlement was finalized, with Elin Nordegren receiving a substantial $110 million settlement. Despite the end of their marriage, the couple agreed to share custody of their two children.
Reflecting on his extramarital affairs, Tiger Woods later admitted culpability, acknowledging that he rationalized his actions by believing that conventional moral boundaries did not apply to him. He expressed remorse for his selfish behavior, admitting that he prioritized his own desires without considering the consequences or the hurt he inflicted on others. [8]
8. Steven Spielberg’s divorce: estimated at $100 million
Steven Spielberg’s divorce from actor Amy Irving in 1989 proved to be one of the most financially significant splits in Hollywood history. Following their four-year marriage, Spielberg faced a staggering $100 million loss due to the absence of a formal prenuptial agreement.
The couple’s relationship had its origins in the mid-1970s when they first met and began dating. Despite initial chemistry, tensions arose as Irving grappled with the challenge of defining her own identity outside of Spielberg’s shadow. Their breakup in 1980 coincided with Irving’s desire to establish herself independently, a decision that resulted in her losing out on career opportunities, such as the role of Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
However, Spielberg and Irving reunited in 1985, ultimately marrying later that year. Prior to their marriage, the couple hastily drafted a prenuptial agreement, famously scribbled on the back of a cocktail napkin without legal counsel present.
Their marriage, however, was fraught with challenges stemming from Spielberg’s demanding career and Irving’s desire for independence. Rumors of Spielberg’s involvement with actor Kate Capshaw surfaced in 1989, leading to their eventual divorce announcement that same year.
Irving contested the validity of the impromptu prenuptial agreement in court, ultimately securing half of Spielberg’s earnings from their marriage, totaling $100 million. Despite the significant settlement, Spielberg retained partial custody of their son, Max.
While Spielberg’s payout to Irving was substantial at the time, his subsequent success in the film industry and accumulated wealth have since overshadowed this financial setback. With a net worth estimated at $4 billion, Spielberg’s divorce settlement with Irving represents a fraction of his current wealth, indicative of his enduring prominence and financial stability in Hollywood. [9]
9. Madonna divorce: estimated at $76–$92 million
Madonna’s divorce from British director Guy Ritchie, after eight years of marriage, resulted in a settlement of up to 60 million pounds ($92 million), including their English country estate, Ashcombe, valued at approximately 20 million pounds ($30 million).
Madonna, accounting for most of their combined wealth estimated at about $525 million, finalized the divorce through a British court on November 21.
Custody arrangements for their children, including an 8-year-old son, Rocco, a 3-year-old son, David, and Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes, have yet to be finalized. [10]
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Sources:
[1] Florida Courts. (n.d.). https://www.flcourts.gov/content/download/862618/file/2023-01%20AAML%20-%20Equitable%20Distribution%20Outline.pdf?
[2] Fontevecchia, A. (2015, October 20). The Saga Of Russian Billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev’s $4.5B Divorce Comes To An End. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/afontevecchia/2015/10/20/the-saga-of-russian-billionaire-dmitry-rybolovlevs-4-5b-divorce-comes-to-an-end/?sh=8f76b482cfcd
[3] Post, P. B. (2023, September 25). Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner divorce filed in Florida: Things to know about former residents. Fort Myers News-Press. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2023/09/25/joe-jonas-sophie-turner-divorce-florida-miami-home-filed-wedding-taylor-swift-instagram/70928958007/
[4] Lee, K. (2011, December 23). Mel Gibson's Ex Wife Takes Half His Estimated $850 Million in Divorce Settlement. Peoplemag. https://people.com/crime/mel-gibsons-ex-wife-takes-half-his-estimated-850-million-in-divorce-settlement/
[5] Gurley, A. (2023, October 4). Who Is Michael Jordan's Ex-Wife? All About Juanita Vanoy. Peoplemag. https://people.com/who-is-juanita-vanoy-michael-jordan-ex-wife-7966972
[6] Advisor, W. (2024, April 2). Neil Diamond’s Divorce Settlement Cost Him $150 Million, But His Reaction Was One Nobody Expected. The Wealth Advisor. https://www.thewealthadvisor.com/article/neil-diamonds-divorce-settlement-cost-him-150-million-his-reaction-was-one-nobody-expected
[7] Inside Garth Brooks’ shocking, record-shattering divorce from first wife. (2023, October 10). HELLO! https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/504182/garth-brooks-divorce-first-wife-settlement-how-much-shocking/
[8] Howard, C. (2011, August 9). Elin Nordegren Walks With $100 Million. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2010/07/03/elin-nordegren-tiger-woods-divorce-settlement-100-million/?sh=b06385619468
[9] Cunningham, J. (2022, December 16). The Shocking Way Steven Spielberg Lost $100 Million in His Divorce. Best Life. https://bestlifeonline.com/steven-spielberg-amy-irving-divorce-news/
[10] Reuters. (n.d.). https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE4BE5I5/
