Divorce, an emotionally taxing process, can also be financially devastating, especially for the ultra-wealthy. Over the years, several high-profile divorces have resulted in astonishing settlements, sometimes amounting to billions. As of 2024, here are the ten most expensive divorces in history, demonstrating how the end of a marriage can lead to immense financial transfers.
The Most Expensive Divorces of All Time
Settlement Amount: $975 Million
Oil tycoon Harold Hamm’s divorce from Sue Ann Arnall in 2015 resulted in one of the largest single-person settlements in history. Hamm wrote a check for $974.8 million, which Sue Ann initially refused but eventually accepted, concluding a highly contentious and publicized legal battle.
10. Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall
9. Bernie Ecclestone and Slavica Radić
Settlement Amount: $1.2 Billion
Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone and his wife Slavica Radić ended their 24-year marriage with a divorce in 2009. The settlement, reportedly totaling $1.2 billion, was paid in installments to Slavica, despite Bernie’s immense wealth and influence in the motorsport industry.
8. Steve and Elaine Wynn
Settlement Amount: $1.4 Billion
The 2010 divorce of casino mogul Steve Wynn and his wife Elaine ended with a settlement approaching $1.4 billion. This was their second divorce, as they had previously remarried after their initial separation. The settlement significantly impacted Steve Wynn’s control over his casino empire.
7. Craig and Wendy McCaw
Settlement Amount: $1.7 Billion
Telecom magnate Craig McCaw’s divorce from Wendy McCaw in 1998 resulted in a settlement of $1.7 billion. The couple amassed considerable wealth through McCaw Cellular, which they sold to AT&T. Following the divorce, Wendy utilized a portion of her settlement to buy and manage a newspaper in Santa Barbara, California.
6. Rupert and Anna Murdoch
Settlement Amount: $1.7 Billion
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s divorce from his second wife, Anna, in 1999 led to a settlement of $1.7 billion, which included $110 million in cash. The couple had been married for 32 years and had three children together. Shortly after the divorce, Murdoch made headlines by marrying Wendi Deng.
5. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
Settlement Amount: $2.8 Billion
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, also known as Ye, finalized their divorce in November 2022. This settlement is one of the costliest in history, totaling $2.7 billion, with West also required to pay $200,000 per month in child support.
4. Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein
Settlement Amount: $3.8 Billion
The 1999 divorce between art dealer Alec Wildenstein and his wife Jocelyn remains one of the most expensive divorces on record. Jocelyn, known for her extensive cosmetic surgeries, received an initial settlement of $2.5 billion, along with $100 million annually for 13 years. This brought her total settlement to an astonishing $3.8 billion.
3. Dmitry Rybolovlev and Elena Rybolovleva
Settlement Amount: $4.5 Billion
In 2014, Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev’s divorce from Elena initially led to an astounding $4.5 billion settlement. However, following numerous appeals, the final settlement was adjusted to $4.5 billion. This case is notable for its prolonged legal battles and significant stakes.
2. Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott
Settlement Amount: $38.3 Billion
In 2019, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife MacKenzie Scott finalized their divorce, resulting in MacKenzie receiving 25% of the couple’s Amazon stock, which was valued at $38.3 billion at that time. This settlement made her one of the wealthiest women in the world. Despite their separation, MacKenzie committed to donating a significant portion of her fortune to charitable causes.
1. Bill and Melinda Gates
Settlement Amount: $76 Billion
The 2021 divorce between Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda was a global headline-grabber. While the full settlement details remain undisclosed, it is widely considered the most expensive divorce in history. Estimates of Melinda’s settlement range from $50 billion to as high as $76 billion, with CNN reporting the lower figure.