COUPLESMelinda Gates Files For Divorce Of 'Irretrievably Broken' Marriage With Bill Gates, Says No Need For Spousal Support Despite No Prenup
After Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates called it quits after 27 years of marriage, Melinda reportedly made it official by filing for divorce on Monday, May 3.
According to the 56-year-old's petition, the pair do not have a prenuptial agreement, and their assets will instead be split according to a separation agreement, PEOPLE reported. Bill has an estimated net worth of $130 billion.
"We ask the court to dissolve our marriage and find that our marital community ended on the date stated in our separation contract," the divorce petition read.
Melinda reportedly described the marriage as "irretrievably broken" in the petition and said that "spousal support is not needed."
The former couple will reportedly appear in court in April 22, and their Alternative Dispute Resolution date is slated for March 2022. The case will also be reviewed in September.
Melinda also reportedly filed an automatic temporary order setting financial restraints. This restricts both her and Bill's ability to dispose of property or make changes to insurance policies unless it has been agreed in writing or ordered by the court.
They will both be responsible for their own future incurred debts, unless agreed in writing. Both Melinda and Bill will also be able to access all tax, financial, legal and household records.
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Their oldest daughter, Jennifer Katharine, shared some of her thoughts on her Instagram Story. "Hi friends, By now, many of you have heard the news that my parents are separating. It's been a challenging stretch of time for our whole family," the 25-year-old began her statement.
She continued, "I'm still learning how to best support my own process and emotions as well as family members at this time, and am grateful for the space to do so. I won't personally comment further on anything around the separation, but please know that your kind words and support mean the world to me. Thank you for understanding our desire for privacy while we navigate the next phases of our lives. With love and respect, Jenn xx."
Jennifer then shared her parent's joint statement to her Story.
"After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage. Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation [the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation] that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives," the pair said in a joint statement that was released on Monday.
"We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives. We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life," the statement concluded.
The former couple tied the knot in a ceremony in Hawaii on New Year's Day 1994. They share three children together: Jennifer Katharine, Rory John, 21 and Phoebe Adele, 18.
