Most Expensive Divorce Settlements, What Can Katie Holmes Expect?
News of the imminent divorce between Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise has left many wondering how the couple will divide its assets, and what each person will be left with. It could be a much smaller figure than the following settlements, which are among the highest in the world.
According to reports, Holmes may only end up with $3 million for each year of her marriage to Cruise, which would leave her with a small amount compared to other high-profile divorce settlements.
For example, the arrangement between Rupert and Anna Murdoch, news media icons, cost nearly $1.7 billion. Anna Murdoch walked away with the amount after 32 years of marriage to the mogul, and Rupert remarried only 17 days later. Theirs is the most expensive settlement in the world.
Among Hollywood celebs, the divorce of Mel and Robyn Gibson ranks most expensive, with Mel giving his ex-wife nearly half of his estimated $850 million fortune. Robyn came away with $425 million and the rights to half of the residuals from any of Mel's films.
Last year's highly publicized divorce between Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger was more embarrassing than costly for the "Terminator." After the world and Maria learned that Schwarzenegger had had an affair and fathered a son, the couple quickly separated. Even though there was no prenuptial arrangement, which may be considered odd for the pair of stars, Schwarzenegger was forced to give up half of his assets to Shriver.
That amount came to somewhere between $250 and $375 million, due to the amount earned by his films. The couple remained mum on the final details of the divorce agreement and settlement amount.
Given that Katie Holmes initiated divorce proceedings against Cruise, and is seeking sole custody of the couple's child, Suri, it could be that she will not seek any further funds. She has the support of her family and her own career that would provide for the now-single mother.