Published Date:
21 November 2008
By ALLAN MACKIE
POP star Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie's marriage of nearly eight years was officially ended in a few unspectacular minutes today.
What began as a fairytale wedding at the romantic Skibo Castle in the Highlands of Scotland came to an end in a "quickie divorce" at the clinical Principal Registry of the Family Division in High Holburn, London.
Their case – Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S – was listed before District Judge Reid along with 16 others "for pronouncement of decree or order under the special procedure rule".
At their wedding, guests included Gwyneth Paltrow, Donatella Versace and Stella McCartney.
No one attended the divorce hearing, not even the couple.
It was reported that the couple agreed not to demand a financial settlement from each other.
Madonna is said to be worth £300 million and her former husband has made £30 million from his career as a film director.
They have also agreed to share custody of their two boys, Rocco, eight, and three-year-old adopted David Banda.
A sworn statement released by the court showed that Madonna petitioned for divorce on the grounds of Ritchie's unreasonable behaviour.
In a question and answer form, she said the behaviour was continuing.
Asked whether they had lived together, since the date of the petition, for six months at the same address, the reply was "No".
Madonna signed the affidavit in Beverley Hills.
In another document released by the court, Senior District Judge Philip Waller, who gave the go ahead for the divorce, said he was satisfied that the court did not need to exercise its powers under the Children Act nor give any directions under the Matrimonial Causes Act.
This would indicate that the couple reached a mutual settlement over their assets and the children before the divorce.
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Last Updated:
21 November 2008 1:58 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
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Related Topics:
Madonna
