Her divorce from Bruce Willis was one of the most expensive in Hollywood history, but Demi Moore’s split from Ashton Kutcher is shaping up to be even costlier.
Demi, 50, and Ashton, 35, split in November 2011 after six years of marriage and Ashton filed for divorce last December, 13 months later.
The couple’s lawyers have been trying to reach a confidential settlement in mediation sessions, but talks have reportedly broken down and the pair now look likely to battle for their combined $275 million fortune in court.
Sources say Ashton — who made most of his estimated $130 million fortune while married to Demi — doesn’t believe his estranged wife is entitled to any of his earnings.
Comparatively, Demi — who is worth an estimated $145 million, largely thanks to her hit films in the 1980s and 1990s, long before she met Ashton — earned very little during their marriage.
“Ashton made a lot of money after marrying Demi — a lot more than she made — but despite him becoming just as famous through her, he believes he doesn’t owe her that much,” a source told the New York Post.
“Ashton has been very difficult during the talks. You could even say he has been hostile.
“After over a year of attempting to reach a settlement, Demi is definitely ready to move on. It’s hoped lawyers for both sides can reach a settlement this spring, otherwise the divorce will go into litigation and trial.”
Demi and Ashton have both hired high-profile lawyers and Demi is believed to be asking for a considerable payout.
She received a huge out of court settlement when she divorced Bruce Willis in 2000. The exact amount of the payment is not known, but it was rumoured to be one of the largest ever.
Demi and Ashton married in 2005 but separated six years later amid claims he had an affair with 22-year-old blonde Sara Leal.
“As a woman, a mother and a wife there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life,” Demi said at the time.
It will be Demi’s third divorce. She was married to Freddy Moore from 1980 to 1985 and to Bruce Willis from 1987 to 2000.
