Many marriages don’t end with “happily ever after.” When unions between wealthy people break apart, the divorces often make headlines because of the staggering sums involved. Some couples sign prenuptial agreements to protect assets; others choose to keep things informal and take the risk. In love, an expensive split can feel unimaginable—until it happens.
Over the years, several divorce settlements have reached into the tens or hundreds of millions, and a few have even climbed into the billions. From athletes and actors to tech founders and tycoons, these high-profile separations show how emotionally charged and financially consequential divorce can be at the top tiers of wealth.
Honorable Mention: Bill and Melinda Gates
Bill Gates and Melinda Gates announced their divorce on May 3, 2021. Elaine Thompson / AP
Years married: 1994–2021
Divorce settlement cost: Ongoing
What happened: In May 2021, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates and Melinda announced they would divorce after 27 years of marriage. The couple had built one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with an endowment in the tens of billions. Their separation remains legally unresolved in public records, and had Melinda received half of Bill’s reported fortune, it would have ranked among the largest settlements ever.
34. Johnny Carson and Joanna Holland (Tie)
Johnny Carson in 1992. Douglas C. Pizac / AP Photo
Years married: 1972–1985
Divorce settlement cost: $20 million
What happened: Johnny Carson quietly married former model Joanna Holland in 1972 and revealed the marriage at a Tonight Show anniversary event. Their marriage lasted 13 years and ended in a prolonged divorce that nearly went to trial. In 1985 they settled with an 80‑page agreement that awarded Holland cash, alimony, property, and shares in Carson Production Corp.
34. Ron Perelman and Ellen Barkin (Tie)
Ellen Barkin and Ron Perelman at a Broadway premiere in 2005. Stuart Ramson / AP Photo
Years married: 2000–2006
Divorce settlement cost: Reportedly $20 million
What happened: Billionaire investor Ron Perelman and actress Ellen Barkin divorced after six years of marriage. Their split became contentious: Barkin sued over investments tied to their shared production company and Perelman countersued, alleging mismanagement. A prenup and negotiations shaped the eventual settlement.
33. Ewan McGregor and Eve Mavrakis
Ewan McGregor and Eve Mavrakis in 2015. KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx / STRMX2/AP Photo
Years married: 1995–2018
Divorce settlement cost: Roughly half his earnings (about $22.5 million)
What happened: After more than two decades and four children, McGregor and production designer Eve Mavrakis separated following widely publicized photos of McGregor with a co-star. The divorce involved a heated legal fight; a judge awarded Mavrakis half of McGregor’s earnings over a defined period, plus spousal and child support, property and vehicles.
31. Ted Danson and Casey Coates (Tie)
Ted Danson at the Emmys in 2019. Jordan Strauss / Invision/AP Photo
Years married: 1977–1993
Divorce settlement cost: $30 million
What happened: Danson and producer Casey Coates divorced after about 15 years together following Danson’s affair with a co-star. Coates received a sizable settlement, and the drama that followed remained in the public eye for a time.
31. Kelsey Grammer and Camille Grammer (Tie)
Kelsey and Camille Grammer in 2010. Chris Pizzello / AP Photo
Years married: 1997–2011
Divorce settlement cost: $30 million
What happened: After 13 years of marriage, actor Kelsey Grammer and Camille Donatacci divorced. Their split involved accusations and public disputes, and the settlement reflected the couple’s long and litigated separation.
30. Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall
Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall. Adam Scull / Adam Scull/MediaPunch/IPx
Years married: 1990–1999 (ceremony in 1990; later annulled)
Divorce settlement cost: About $40 million
What happened: Jagger and Hall had a long relationship and a Bali ceremony in 1990 that U.K. courts later ruled was not legally binding. When their split followed Jagger’s infidelity, they reached an annulment and settlement that awarded Hall an estimated $40 million.
29. Michael Douglas and Diandra Douglas
Michael Douglas and his then-wife Diandra in New York, January 1989. David Cantor / AP Photo
Years married: 1977–2000
Divorce settlement cost: About $45 million
What happened: Michael Douglas and Diandra Luker divorced after more than two decades of marriage. Diandra received a substantial settlement and the couple’s Santa Barbara estate. Years later she filed a lawsuit seeking a portion of profits from sequels related to films made during the marriage, though that suit did not result in additional award in the public record.
28. Paul McCartney and Heather Mills
Paul McCartney and Heather Mills in 2004. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo
Years married: 2002–2008
Divorce settlement cost: $48.6 million
What happened: After Linda McCartney’s death, Paul McCartney married Heather Mills in 2002. Their relationship became tabloid fodder and ended in a contentious divorce. Mills initially sought a much larger share of McCartney’s wealth but ultimately received $48.6 million and was ordered to refrain from publicly discussing the case.
27. James Cameron and Linda Hamilton
James Cameron and Linda Hamilton in 1998. Kevork Djansezian / AP Photo
Years married: 1997–1999
Divorce settlement cost: $50 million
What happened: Director James Cameron and actress Linda Hamilton married in 1997 and divorced two years later. Their separation was acrimonious, and Hamilton received a significant settlement for such a brief marriage.
26. Kenny Rogers and Marianne Gordon
Kenny Rogers at his home in Brentwood, California, in 1978. Wally Fong / AP Photo
Years married: 1977–1993
Divorce settlement cost: $60 million
What happened: Kenny Rogers and Marianne Gordon divorced after 15 years of marriage. Their split was reportedly amicable, and Gordon received a substantial settlement. Rogers later married again and remained in the public spotlight until his death in 2020.
25. Madonna and Guy Ritchie
Madonna and Guy Ritchie in 2000. Michael Caulfield / AP Photo
Years married: 2000–2008
Divorce settlement cost: Between $76 million and $92 million
What happened: Madonna and filmmaker Guy Ritchie wed in a highly publicized ceremony in Scotland. After eight years together and the adoption of a child, their relationship ended. Ritchie received a large settlement as part of the divorce.
24. Cindy Silva and Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner and his wife, Cindy, at a gala benefit in 1992. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo
Years married: 1978–1994
Divorce settlement cost: $80 million
What happened: Kevin Costner’s first marriage ended after 16 years. Cindy Silva sought reconciliation at times but ultimately accepted a substantial settlement as the couple finalized their divorce.
23. Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison
Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison at a White House dinner in 1998. Neshan H. Naltchayan / AP Photo
Years married: 1983–2004
Divorce settlement cost: Between $85 million and $118 million
What happened: After a long marriage, Ford and writer Melissa Mathison separated and later divorced. The settlement included a guaranteed minimum payment and a share of royalties tied to Ford’s most famous films. Mathison passed away in 2015.
21. Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving (Tie)
Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving in April 1988. AP Photo
Years married: 1985–1989
Divorce settlement cost: $100 million
What happened: Irving and Spielberg divorced after four years of marriage. A judge declined to accept an informal prenuptial agreement, and Irving was awarded a large settlement. The split was reported as amicable in many accounts.
21. Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren (Tie)
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren at the Presidents Cup closing ceremonies in 2009. Scot Tucker / AP Photo
Years married: 2004–2010
Divorce settlement cost: $100 million
What happened: Tiger Woods’ highly publicized infidelity scandal led to a separation and eventual divorce from Elin Nordegren. After revelations about multiple affairs, the couple finalized a settlement that awarded Nordegren a significant sum.
20. Frank and Jamie McCourt
Frank and Jamie McCourt holding Dodgers jerseys in 2004. Reed Saxon / AP Photo
Years married: 1979–2011
Divorce settlement cost: $130 million
What happened: The McCourts’ split centered on ownership and control of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jamie filed for divorce after being removed from her role, and a settlement ultimately awarded her a substantial payout while Frank retained the team—until later financial troubles cost him the franchise.
19. Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey
Neil Diamond performs at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009 in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo
Years married: 1969–1995
Divorce settlement cost: $150 million
What happened: After a 25-year marriage, Marcia Murphey filed for divorce from the singer-songwriter Neil Diamond. The couple cited irreconcilable differences, and the settlement reflected the length and value of their long partnership.
18. Boris Berezovsky and Galina Besharova
Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky at the High Court in London, 2012. Sang Tan / AP Photo
Years married: 1991–2011
Divorce settlement cost: $160 million
What happened: The marriage ended with a large payout to Galina Besharova when courts determined there was no prenup and found in her favor on grounds of unreasonable behavior. The hearing and ruling marked one of London’s largest settlements at the time.
17. Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy
Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy with the NBA championship trophy in 1991. Reed Saxon / AP Photo
Years married: 1989–2006
Divorce settlement cost: $168 million
What happened: Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy divorced after a long marriage during which the couple worked to protect their family and children. Vanoy received a sizable settlement, custody arrangements, and property as part of the agreement.
16. Charles Edgar Fipke and Marlene Fipke
Charles Fipke after winning a major race with his horse Tale of Ekati in 2008. Ed Betz / AP Photo
Years married: 1970s–2000
Divorce settlement cost: $200 million
What happened: Marlene Fipke received a substantial settlement tied to her ex-husband’s diamond business and related assets. The payout ranked among Canada’s largest divorce settlements at the time.
15. Stewart and Carol Rahr
Pharma billionaire Stewart Rahr and wife Carol Rahr divorced after 43 years of marriage. The Rahr Foundation
Years married: 1969–2013
Divorce settlement cost: $250 million
What happened: After decades together and public scenes that drew scrutiny, Carol Rahr filed for divorce from pharmaceutical entrepreneur Stewart Rahr, resulting in a large settlement after years of marriage and shared business involvement.
14. Roman and Irina Abramovich
Roman Abramovich with Irina at the Catherine Palace, 2003. AP Photo
Years married: 1991–2007
Divorce settlement cost: $300 million
What happened: After 15 years and five children, Irina received property and a substantial cash settlement as part of their divorce. While significant, the award represented a small fraction of Abramovich’s broader fortune.
13. Robert Johnson and Sheila Crump
BET founder Robert Johnson in 1999. Diane Bondaref / AP Photo
Years married: 1969–2001
Divorce settlement cost: $400 million
What happened: After decades together, Sheila Crump filed for divorce from Robert Johnson following revelations of an extramarital affair and disputes over the direction of Johnson’s business. When Johnson sold his company, the proceeds contributed to the large settlement.
12. Mel Gibson and Robyn Moore
Mel Gibson in 2010 with then-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. Matt Sayles / AP Photo
Years married: 1980–2011
Divorce settlement cost: $425 million (reports indicate higher totals when including retirement assets)
What happened: Robyn Moore and Mel Gibson divorced after more than three decades together. The split followed highly publicized incidents and allegations that made the breakup particularly contentious. Media reports later suggested even larger figures tied to retirement funds and other assets.
11. Craig and Wendy McCaw
Craig McCaw later married Susan Rasinski after divorcing Wendy. Ronald Zak / AP Photo
Years married: 1974–1997
Divorce settlement cost: $460 million
What happened: After selling a telecommunications business and amassing substantial wealth, Craig McCaw and Wendy divorced. Wendy received nearly half of the proceeds in one of the most notable entrepreneur divorces of its time.
10. Dmitry Rybolovlev and Elena Rybolovlev
Dmitry Rybolovlev, president of AS Monaco, at a 2013 game. Lionel Cironneau / AP Photo
Years married: 1987–2014
Divorce settlement cost: $604 million (after appeal reduced a larger award)
What happened: The divorce between Dmitry and Elena Rybolovlev produced enormous legal battles and an initial award that was later reduced on appeal. Elena retained property and some jewelry, while the final monetary settlement was smaller than early reports suggested.
9. Adnan and Soraya Khashoggi
Adnan Khashoggi at Manhattan Federal Court in 1990. AP Photo
Years married: 1961–1974
Divorce settlement cost: $874 million
What happened: The marriage of international businessman Adnan Khashoggi and Soraya ended in a multi-year divorce that culminated in a massive payout. Soraya originally sought much more, but after protracted proceedings, the settlement still ranked among the largest of its era.
6. Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn (Tie)
Steve and Elaine Wynn with their granddaughter in 2008. Isaac Brekken / AP Photo
Years married: 1963–1986 (and later remarried and divorced again)
Divorce settlement cost: $1 billion
What happened: Steve and Elaine Wynn’s long, on‑and‑off relationship included multiple separations. Elaine received an even split of certain stakes in Wynn Resorts and a large settlement, reflecting their long partnership and shared business ventures.
6. Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Hamm (Tie)
Continental Resources CEO Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Hamm at the Time 100 gala in 2012. Evan Agostini / AP Photo
Years married: 1988–2014
Divorce settlement cost: $1 billion
What happened: After a high‑value divorce dispute tied to the oil magnate’s company and his net worth, Sue Ann eventually accepted a settlement in the neighborhood of $1 billion following appeals and court rulings about when key shares were acquired.
6. Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv (Tie)
Rupert and Anna Murdoch at the Academy Awards in 1998. Kevork Djansezian / AP Photo
Years married: 1967–1999
Divorce settlement cost: $1 billion
What happened: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv divorced after many years together. Anna received a sizable payout and a large cash component as part of a settlement that reflected Murdoch’s vast media empire at the time.
5. Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone
Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone at the Croatia Open in 2007. The couple divorced in 2009. Darko Bandic / AP Photo
Years married: 1985–2009
Divorce settlement cost: $1.2 billion
What happened: Slavica Ecclestone received a multibillion-dollar settlement from Formula One mogul Bernie Ecclestone after years of marriage and public disputes. Later reporting suggested complex transfers of assets between the parties following the split.
4. Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng
Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng at Sun Valley in 2012. Paul Sakuma / AP Photo
Years married: 1999–2013
Divorce settlement cost: $1.8 billion
What happened: After 13 years together, Murdoch and Wendi Deng divorced. The settlement included cash and real estate, including an apartment that served as the family home for their children.
3. Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein
Jocelyn Wildenstein, who became widely noted for extensive cosmetic surgery. Star Max/AP Images
Years married: 1978–1999
Divorce settlement cost: $2.5 billion
What happened: The Wildenstein divorce remains famous for its scale and sensational media coverage. Jocelyn received a multibillion-dollar award and ongoing annual payments to support a lavish lifestyle after a public and acrimonious split.
2. Vladimir Potanin and Natalia Potanina
Vladimir Potanin in 2010. Dmitry Astakhov / AP Photo/RIA-Novosti
Years married: 1983–2014
Divorce settlement cost: $6.4 billion
What happened: Natalia Potanina sought an enormous sum from Vladimir Potanin during a contentious divorce that included claims of humiliation and infidelity. The final settlement awarded her billions and stands among the largest ever recorded.
1. Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott
Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott in 2018. Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx / AP Photo
Years married: 1993–2019
Divorce settlement cost: $38 billion
What happened: After 25 years of marriage, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott announced their divorce in 2019. The settlement transferred roughly 25 percent of the couple’s Amazon shares to MacKenzie—about 4 percent of the company—making her one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. The agreement excluded certain ventures and preserved Jeff’s voting control over the transferred stock. Since the split, MacKenzie Scott has become well known for her large philanthropic donations.
These cases highlight the complexity of high-net-worth divorces: intertwined business interests, prenuptial agreements (or their absence), public scrutiny, and, often, prolonged legal battles. Whether the settlements are negotiated quietly or litigated loudly, they reshape fortunes and frequently attract significant public and media attention.