When billionaires divorce, the settlements make headlines—but they also reveal how divorce law actually works. From Amazon stock transfers worth $38 billion to 58-second courtroom proceedings ending 23-year marriages, these cases show what happens when enormous wealth meets family law.
This guide breaks down the biggest divorce settlements ever recorded, what made each one unique, and the legal lessons that apply whether you’re dividing billions or a family home.
The 10 Biggest Divorce Settlements in History
1. Bill and Melinda Gates — $76 Billion (2021)
The largest divorce settlement in history ended a 27-year marriage between Microsoft’s co-founder and his wife. According to Bloomberg Law, both sides assembled elite legal teams:
- Bill Gates: Munger, Tolles & Olson (founded by Warren Buffett’s partner Charlie Munger) and attorney Ted Billbe
- Melinda Gates: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison plus Cohen Clair Lans Greifer Thorpe & Rottenstreich, led by Robert Cohen (who previously represented Donald Trump’s ex-wives)
The case was filed in King County Superior Court in Washington State. According to Markham Legal, the couple had no prenuptial agreement but created a separation agreement to divide assets privately.
Legal takeaway: Washington is a community property state—assets acquired during marriage are generally split 50/50. Even without a prenup, a well-drafted separation agreement can keep financial details out of public court records.
2. Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos — $38 Billion (2019)
The Amazon founder’s divorce resulted in MacKenzie receiving a 4% stake in Amazon—worth $38 billion at the time. According to McKinley Irvin, what made this case remarkable was:
- No prenuptial agreement despite Amazon being founded during the marriage
- MacKenzie helped start Amazon, working on the business plan and early operations
- Jeff retained 75% of their Amazon shares plus voting rights, The Washington Post, and Blue Origin
The settlement was documented through SEC filings showing the stock transfer. According to The Abrams Law Firm, the secrecy surrounding the proceedings was unusual—attorneys weren’t even publicly confirmed.
Legal takeaway: Even amicable divorces involving public companies require careful structuring. The stock transfer had to comply with SEC regulations, and voting rights were negotiated separately from ownership.
3. Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein — $3.8 Billion (1999)
This New York divorce became infamous for both its size and its drama. French-American art dealer Alec Wildenstein’s divorce from Jocelyn resulted in:
- $2.5 billion lump sum payment
- $100 million per year for 13 years
- Total estimated value: $3.8 billion
Court documents valued the Wildenstein family’s art collection at approximately $10 billion. The case (Index No. 350381/97) was filed in New York Supreme Court. Under New York law, divorce records are sealed for 100 years.
Legal takeaway: New York uses “equitable distribution” rather than community property—assets are divided fairly, not necessarily equally. The court has discretion to consider factors like each spouse’s contributions and future needs.
4. Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone — $1.2 Billion (2009)
Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone’s divorce was finalized in just 58 seconds at a London court. According to Crisp & Co Solicitors, Slavica was represented by Liz Vernon of Clintons law firm.
The unusual twist: In the late 1990s, when Bernie suffered serious heart problems requiring a triple bypass, many of his assets had been transferred into Slavica’s name. This meant she technically already owned much of the wealth.
Legal takeaway: Asset protection strategies can backfire in divorce. Transferring assets to a spouse for tax or estate planning purposes may complicate matters if the marriage ends.
5. Rupert and Anna Murdoch — $1.7 Billion (1999)
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s second divorce after 32 years of marriage was widely reported as a $1.7 billion settlement—though according to LAWS.com, biographers have questioned this figure, suggesting it may have been closer to $200 million.
The uncertainty highlights how celebrity divorce figures are often estimates rather than confirmed amounts, since many settlements remain confidential.
Legal takeaway: Don’t believe every headline. Settlement figures in high-profile divorces are frequently exaggerated or based on speculation rather than court documents.
6. Steve Wynn — $1 Billion (2010)
Casino mogul Steve Wynn’s divorce from Elaine was unusual because the couple had divorced once before (in 1986), remarried (in 1991), then divorced again. According to Vegas Legal Magazine, the second divorce split their Wynn Resorts stock—with Elaine receiving shares worth over $741 million. The case was sealed in Clark County Family Court in Nevada.
Legal takeaway: Remarrying your ex-spouse doesn’t reset the clock—courts will consider the entire relationship history when dividing assets.
7. Harold Hamm — $975 Million (2015)
Oil tycoon Harold Hamm famously wrote his ex-wife Sue Ann Arnall a personal check for $974.8 million—which she initially rejected as too low. According to FindLaw, the case hinged on whether Continental Resources’ growth was due to Harold’s efforts (making it marital property) or market forces (making it separate property). The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling dismissed Sue Ann’s appeal in a 7-2 decision.
Legal takeaway: In equitable distribution states, the source and cause of wealth appreciation matters enormously. Expert testimony about business valuation is critical in high-asset divorces.
8. Adnan Khashoggi — $874 Million (1982)
Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi’s divorce from Soraya was the largest on record at the time. According to LAWS.com, adjusted for inflation, the settlement would be worth over $2.5 billion today.
9. Jamie Cooper-Hohn — £337 Million (2014)
This case holds the record for the largest court-ordered divorce settlement in UK history. According to Nelsons Law, hedge fund billionaire Sir Chris Hohn argued he deserved a larger share due to his “special contribution” as an “unbelievable moneymaker.”
The court disagreed, awarding Jamie Cooper-Hohn £337 million (approximately $530 million)—though this was less than the 50/50 split she requested.
Legal takeaway: English courts consider “special contribution” arguments but apply them sparingly. Being the primary earner doesn’t automatically entitle you to more than half.
10. Tiger Woods — $710 Million (2010)
Golf legend Tiger Woods’ divorce from Elin Nordegren followed highly publicized infidelity scandals. According to Siemon Law Firm and FindLaw, despite a prenuptial agreement, the settlement reportedly far exceeded its original terms.
Legal takeaway: Prenuptial agreements can be renegotiated or set aside, especially when circumstances change dramatically or one party has significant leverage.
What These Cases Teach Us About Divorce Law
Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution
Where you divorce matters enormously:
- Community property states (California, Washington, Texas, etc.): Assets acquired during marriage are generally split 50/50
- Equitable distribution states (New York, most others): Assets are divided “fairly”—which may or may not mean equally
- England: Courts aim for fairness and meeting needs, with no strict formula
Prenuptial Agreements Aren’t Bulletproof
Several of these cases involved no prenup (Bezos, Gates) or prenups that didn’t hold (Woods). Key factors that can invalidate a prenup:
- Signed under pressure or without adequate time
- Lack of full financial disclosure
- No independent legal advice
- Terms that are unconscionable
Privacy Is Possible—At a Price
Most billionaire divorces remain remarkably private despite public interest. Strategies include:
- Mediation and private settlement agreements
- Sealing court records (varies by jurisdiction)
- Confidentiality clauses
- Completing proceedings quickly before media attention builds
The Best Divorces Are Boring
Notice that the Gates and Bezos divorces—the two largest—were also the most amicable. Both couples issued joint statements, avoided public disputes, and reached settlements without protracted litigation. The lesson: cooperation saves money, even when billions are at stake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are divorce settlements public record?
It depends on the jurisdiction. In many US states, divorce filings are public but financial details in settlement agreements can be sealed. In New York, divorce records are sealed for 100 years. In England, family court proceedings are generally private.
How are divorce settlements calculated?
Courts consider factors including: length of marriage, each spouse’s contributions (financial and non-financial), earning capacity, age and health, custody arrangements, and standard of living during the marriage.
Can you hide assets in a divorce?
Attempting to hide assets is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including perjury charges and an unfavorable settlement. In high-asset divorces, forensic accountants are routinely employed to trace assets.
Do celebrities always get prenups?
Surprisingly, no. Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and many others married without prenuptial agreements. However, the trend is changing—prenups are increasingly common among wealthy individuals.
Resources
- King County Superior Court Records (Washington State)
- New York State Courts Case Search
- SEC EDGAR (for stock transfers in public companies)
