Top 8 Bizarre Divorce Settlements

Top 8 Bizarre Divorce Settlements: Claire Clark. Vines Legal, Chesterfield.

We know that divorce can be painful. The issue of fairly dividing up finances and assets can be difficult and fractious. Vines legal have been scouring the archives to bring you some of the more interesting divorce settlements.

1. The Divorce of Charles and Diana

When Charles and Diana divorced in 1996, Diana lost the right to be called ‘Her Royal Highness’ but retained the right to live in Kensington Palace and entertain at St James’ Palace, with the Queen’s permission of course! And although she lost various military titles, she did get a settlement of around £15,000,000.  In today's world, that figure seems very small. 

2. The Divorce of Georges Simenon

Belgian author Georges Simenon, had an odd request for his ex-wife during their divorce proceedings in 1949; they agreed that she would receive a substantial amount in maintenance as long as she agreed to live within 6 miles of her ex at all times so he could always see his children.  

It's good to see that in an age when we celebrity divorce makes high profile news with huge and sometimes harsh settlements, an amicable agreement can still be reached when both parties are willing to compromise.

3. Getting your ex’s goat

Literally. Australian Steve Killeen got his ex-wife’s pet goat in his divorce settlement, which he takes for long walks through Sidney every day.

4. 50:50 Split

When a Cambodian couple’s relationship broke down, the husband took the dividing of the assets a little too literally and cut their house in half. He left his soon-to-be ex-wife’s half standing, but dismantled his half, taking the materials to his parents’ house. Talk about 'Splitting up'.

5. Economist, Robert Lucas & Scientist Albert Einstein

Robert Lucas, the winner of 1995 Economics Nobel Prize, had to share his winnings with his ex-wife. Worse still, Albert Einstein’s ex-wife, Mileva Maric, was rewarded all of his prize money from his 1921 win.

6. The Divorce of Dr Batista

A Long Island doctor made a bizarre request during his divorce proceedings; he wanted ex-wife, Dawnell, to either return the kidney he had given her or for her to pay him compensation of $1.5 million! Of course, he didn’t get either as a body organ is considered a gift!

7. David Hasselhoff - The Hoff

In his 2008 divorce settlement with ex-wife, Pamela, David Hasselhoff was awarded full possession of both nickname “The Hoff” and catchphrase “Don’t Hassle the Hoff”.

8. Marvin Gaye Sings Farewell

When Marvin Gaye couldn’t pay his ex-wife the maintenance she was awarded, it was decided that he would make a new record and give all the royalties from it to her. It might have been a good plan if the record hadn’t been such a flop!

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We can assist you at every stage and will help guide you through what can be a confusing and distressing time. We provide one to one support when you need it and will explain all options in full from the outset. We will work hard to provide you with the best possible outcome. Contact us