Mel Gibson's Wife Files for Divorce

[Janice]

http://www.tmz.com/2009/04/13/mel-gi...gibson-divorce

Mel Gibson's Wife Files for Divorce

We've learned Mel Gibson's wife Robyn has just filed legal papers to divorce -- Robyn signed the papers the day before Good Friday.

Sources tell us there is no prenuptial agreement -- they were in 1980, before Mel Gibson amassed a fortune estimated at $900 million back in 2006. Under the laws of California, property -- which includes earnings -- is divided 50/50.

The Gibsons have 7 children, but only one -- Tom, who turns 10 tomorrow -- is a minor. In Robyn's, filed this morning in L.A. County Superior Court, she seeks joint physical and legal custody of Tom.

Robyn is also asking for spousal and attorneys fees.

Robyn lists the date of separation as "to be determined." This is important, because earnings generally cease to be community property when the separates. There could be a skirmish over this. We're told the couple grew increasingly apart over the last few years, especially since Mel's drunk driving arrest in 2006.

There have been reports that Mel has been involved with another woman, which the actor denies, but we're told the reasons for the divorce go beyond any third party.

If there is a fight, Robyn is in good hands -- she's repped by disso-queen Laura Wasser, who has handled divorces for the likes of Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears and Stevie Wonder.

UPDATE: Robyn and Mel Gibson just issued a statement: "Throughout our and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so."

Sources tell TMZ the couple has been separated for more than 2 1/2 years. We'll see if Robyn agrees. Again, the separation date is important in dividing assets.

[sunshinefizzy]

That sucks!!!

[Brad Russ]

I am extremely saddened to hear this news. Not just because I'm a huge Mel Gibson fan, hence my username, but because they were married for so long. With so many Hollywood divorces, I was hopeful that Mel's marriage would last forever, and it sucks that it didn't. I wish Mr. Gibson and his wife the best in their future, and hope they can remain friendly, and not let things get ugly.

[catlover79]

I am stunned!! They've been married for almost 30 years and have 7 kids, and now are just throwing in the towel. How terrible.

[isiahthomas]

His ex-wife doesn't deserve $900 million. No way should she get that. I hate how the court system is set up for women to get a large amount of their ex-husbands money when they get a divorce. That's why i'm never getting married because i don't trust women when it comes to money. I've read too many stories about wealthy male celebrities getting a lot of money taken from them by their ex-wives when they get a divorce and that's not right. Most of these women be living off of their husbands money because they figure their husbands are wealthy so they don't need to get a job.

[TripperFan]

I feel badly about it, but in a way, I'm not surprised at all. If anything, I've been amazed how she's hung in there with him.

Let's face it folks, Mel's a great actor, etc., but he obviously has or at least had a terrible drinking problem for years. I also do still question him in regards to his anti-semitic crack a while back (afterall, they've always said the true YOU comes out when you drink). Now there's the talk about him fooling around and usually that stuff turns out to be true....trust me.

And I think she deserves EVERY CENT of what she's entitled to. Isiah, I love ya man, but you try carrying and birthing 7 friggin babies, and whether you have nannies galore or not, try raising the little suckers! Yes, she's lived a great lifestyle, but trust me, all the money in the world doesn't necessarily make it a cakewalk. I'm not going to be too fast to judge.

And I DO hope it doesn't become ugly. Hopefully it will be amicable and not fodder for the media (like these things usually are).