Many marriages don’t end in “happily ever after.” When unions between the wealthy break apart, the resulting settlements often make headlines for their staggering sums. Some couples use prenuptial agreements to protect assets; others prefer to keep things simple — and risky. In love, an expensive divorce can seem unimaginable, yet numerous high-profile splits have resulted in payouts ranging from millions to multibillions.
This article summarizes some of the most expensive celebrity and billionaire divorces in modern history, highlighting the years married, the reported settlement amounts, and the circumstances behind each split.
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
Summary: Bill and Melinda Gates announced their separation after 27 years of marriage. The couple co-founded a major philanthropic foundation with a multibillion-dollar endowment. Their divorce remains unresolved publicly, and any eventual settlement could rank among the largest on record depending on asset division.
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
Summary: Johnny Carson and former model Joanna Holland kept their 1972 marriage secret for some time before it became public. Their divorce, finalized after a lengthy process, resulted in a roughly $20 million settlement that included cash, alimony, property and shares in Carson Production Corp.
34. Ron Perelman and Ellen Barkin (Tie)
Ellen Barkin and Ron Perelman arrive for the Broadway premiere of Spamalot in 2005. Stuart Ramson / AP Photo
Years married: 2000–2006
Divorce settlement cost: Reportedly $20 million
Summary: The marriage between billionaire Ron Perelman and actress Ellen Barkin ended amid disputes that included allegations about financial management and disagreements over investments in a production company the pair had formed. The split concluded with a reported settlement and counterclaims between the parties.
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 (reported around $22.5 million)
Summary: After more than two decades of marriage and four children, McGregor and Mavrakis divorced following public revelations of his relationship with a co-star. A judge ultimately awarded Mavrakis a substantial share of earnings and ordered spousal and child support, along with property and other assets.
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
Summary: Ted Danson and producer Casey Coates ended a 15-year marriage after Danson’s publicized relationship with a co-star. The divorce concluded with a substantial settlement awarded to Coates.
31. Kelsey Grammer and Camille Grammer (Tie)
Kelsey Grammer and Camille Grammer in 2010. Chris Pizzello / AP Photo
Years married: 1997–2011
Divorce settlement cost: $30 million
Summary: Kelsey and Camille Grammer’s divorce followed a long relationship and included allegations and counterclaims. The settlement was resolved amid public attention and ongoing personal disputes.
30. Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall
Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall. Adam Scull / MediaPunch/IPx
Years together: 1977–1999 (ceremony in 1990)
Divorce settlement cost: Estimated $40 million
Summary: Mick Jagger and supermodel Jerry Hall maintained a long relationship and had four children together. After a ceremony in Bali, their marriage was later ruled null by UK courts, but Hall secured a settlement when their partnership ended following Jagger’s infidelity.
29. Michael Douglas and Diandra Douglas
Michael Douglas with his ex-wife Diandra in New York in 1989. David Cantor / AP Photo
Years married: 1977–2000
Divorce settlement cost: $45 million
Summary: Michael Douglas’s first marriage ended after more than two decades, resulting in a sizable settlement and later legal claims concerning earnings from projects connected to work during the marriage.
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
Summary: Their highly publicized divorce followed a brief, media-heavy marriage. Heather Mills initially sought a much larger sum but ultimately was awarded tens of millions after a contentious trial and media spectacle.
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
Summary: Director James Cameron and actress Linda Hamilton divorced after a short marriage. Their split led to a significant payout despite the brief duration of the relationship.
26. Kenny Rogers and Marianne Gordon
Kenny Rogers at his home in 1978. Wally Fong / AP Photo
Years married: 1977–1993
Divorce settlement cost: $60 million
Summary: After 15 years together, Rogers and Gordon divorced amicably with Gordon receiving a substantial settlement; Rogers later remarried.
25. Madonna and Guy Ritchie
Madonna and Guy Ritchie in 2000. Michael Caulfield / AP Photo
Years married: 2000–2008
Divorce settlement cost: Reported $76–$92 million
Summary: Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s high-profile marriage and Scottish wedding ended after several years, with Ritchie receiving a large settlement as part of their divorce agreement.
24. Cindy Silva and Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner and his wife Cindy with former Presidents at a gala in 1992. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo
Years married: 1978–1994
Divorce settlement cost: $80 million
Summary: Costner’s divorce from his first wife concluded with a significant payout after 16 years of marriage, amid reports of infidelity and attempts at reconciliation.
23. Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison
Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison at the White House in 1998. Neshan H. Naltchayan / AP Photo
Years married: 1983–2004
Divorce settlement cost: Between $85 million and $118 million
Summary: The marriage between actor Harrison Ford and screenwriter Melissa Mathison ended after 17 years. The settlement reportedly included a substantial lump sum and a share of royalties tied to Ford’s well-known film work. 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
Summary: After four years of marriage, Spielberg and Irving divorced; Irving received a large settlement after a judge rejected a prenuptial agreement that was disputed in court.
21. Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren (Tie)
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren at the Presidents Cup in 2009. Scot Tucker / AP Photo
Years married: 2004–2010
Divorce settlement cost: $100 million
Summary: Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren’s marriage ended in the wake of highly publicized revelations of multiple affairs. The divorce resulted in a settlement reported at approximately $100 million.
20. Frank and Jamie McCourt
Frank McCourt and Jamie McCourt holding Dodgers jerseys in 2004. Reed Saxon / AP Photo
Years married: 1979–2011
Divorce settlement cost: $130 million
Summary: The split between the McCourts centered on ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers and control of related business interests. Jamie received a substantial settlement while Frank retained the team before later losing it amid financial problems.
19. Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey
Neil Diamond performs at the Grammy Awards in 2009. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo
Years married: 1969–1995
Divorce settlement cost: $150 million
Summary: After 25 years of marriage, Diamond’s divorce from Marcia Murphey ended quietly with a large settlement that the singer acknowledged publicly.
18. Boris Berezovsky and Galina Besharova
Boris Berezovsky arrives at the high court in London in 2012. Sang Tan / AP Photo
Years married: 1991–2011
Divorce settlement cost: $160 million
Summary: The divorce was decided quickly in London when the court awarded Galina Besharova a large settlement amid findings that there was no prenuptial protection.
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
Summary: Jordan and Vanoy divorced after many years together. The settlement included custody arrangements, property and a large monetary award to Vanoy.
16. Charles Edgar Fipke and Marlene Fipke
Charles Fipke with his horse after winning a race in 2008. Ed Betz / AP Photo
Years married: 1970s–2000
Divorce settlement cost: $200 million
Summary: Marlene Fipke received a large payout related to shares and assets in her husband’s diamond business, a settlement that stood out as one of the largest in Canadian history at the time.
15. Stewart and Carol Rahr
Pharma billionaire Stewart Rahr and wife Carol divorced after decades together. The Rahr Foundation
Years married: 1969–2013
Divorce settlement cost: $250 million
Summary: After a long marriage, the couple’s split ended with Carol receiving a substantial settlement amid claims about Stewart’s extravagant behavior and business control.
14. Roman and Irina Abramovich
Roman Abramovich and Irina at the Catherine Palace in 2003. AP Photo
Years married: 1991–2007
Divorce settlement cost: $300 million
Summary: The divorce followed allegations about Abramovich’s relationships outside the marriage. Irina received multiple properties and a significant cash settlement.
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
Summary: After three decades of marriage and the sale of a major media company, Sheila Crump received a large settlement tied to the significant financial events that occurred during their relationship.
12. Mel Gibson and Robyn Moore
Mel Gibson in 2010 with then-partner Oksana Grigorieva. Matt Sayles / AP Photo
Years married: 1980–2011
Divorce settlement cost: Reported $425 million (with additional claims raising total figures)
Summary: The end of Gibson’s 31-year marriage coincided with public scandals and legal disputes, producing a very large settlement and continued media coverage.
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
Summary: Following the sale of McCaw Cellular and a dramatic change in wealth, Wendy McCaw secured a large settlement after the couple’s divorce.
10. Dmitry Rybolovlev and Elena Rybolovlev
Dmitry Rybolovlev attends an AS Monaco game in 2013. Lionel Cironneau / AP Photo
Years married: 1987–2014
Divorce settlement cost: $604 million
Summary: Their high-profile divorce involved very large figures and lengthy legal appeals, resulting in a reduced but still substantial settlement for Elena.
9. Adnan and Soraya Khashoggi
Adnan Khashoggi arrives at court in 1990. AP Photo
Years married: 1961–1974
Divorce settlement cost: $874 million
Summary: The marriage of Adnan and Soraya Khashoggi ended after 13 years, culminating in a massive settlement reported to be several hundred million dollars after a protracted legal process.
6. Steve and Elaine Wynn (Tie)
Steve and Elaine Wynn with their granddaughter in 2008. Isaac Brekken / AP Photo
Years married: 1963–1986 (and later remarriage/divorce)
Divorce settlement cost: $1 billion
Summary: The Winns’ multiple separations and reconciliations produced extremely large divisions of casino company stakes and board influence, resulting in reported billion-dollar settlements.
6. Harold and Sue Ann Hamm (Tie)
Harold and Sue Ann Hamm at the Time 100 gala in 2012. Evan Agostini / AP Photo
Years married: 1988–2014
Divorce settlement cost: $1 billion
Summary: After their divorce, Sue Ann accepted a large payment to resolve claims related to the growth of Continental Resources during the marriage, following litigation and appeals.
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 (Anna reportedly received $1.7 billion)
Summary: Anna Torv’s divorce from media mogul Rupert Murdoch led to a reported multi-billion-dollar settlement that included significant cash and assets.
5. Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone
Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone at the Croatia Open in 2007. Darko Bandic / AP Photo
Years married: 1985–2009
Divorce settlement cost: $1.2 billion
Summary: The split after 24 years of marriage resulted in a multibillion-dollar payout to Slavica, with later developments revealing further transfers between the parties’ trusts.
4. Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng
Rupert Murdoch and Wendi arrive at a conference in 2012. Paul Sakuma / AP Photo
Years married: 1999–2013
Divorce settlement cost: $1.8 billion
Summary: Murdoch’s third public divorce ended with a reported nearly $2 billion settlement and the transfer of significant property, including an apartment designated as the family home for their children.
3. Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein
Jocelyn Wildenstein, known for extensive cosmetic surgery. Star Max/AP Images
Years married: 1978–1999
Divorce settlement cost: $2.5 billion
Summary: One of the most notorious and costly divorces, Jocelyn Wildenstein reportedly received a multibillion-dollar settlement and annual payments meant to sustain her affluent lifestyle following allegations and dramatic incidents that led to a protracted and public separation.
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
Summary: Natalia Potanina received a record-setting settlement after a high-profile and contentious divorce from Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin, following claims related to personal conduct and long legal battles.
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
Summary: The divorce of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott ranked as one of the largest in history. MacKenzie received a significant portion of Amazon stock and has since become a major philanthropist. The settlement left Bezos with control of his voting interests while transferring substantial wealth to Scott.
These cases illustrate how complex and costly divorce settlements can become when immense wealth is involved. Each separation reflects different legal systems, prenuptial arrangements (or lack thereof), and personal circumstances that shaped the final outcomes.