Maria Shriver files for divorce

In sad news that closes the book on one of the most lustrous unions in Hollywood history it’s just been announced that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s estranged wife, Maria Shriver has filed for divorce.

Citing “irreconcilable differences” as the cause of the breakdown the petition to end the 25-year marriage comes just over a month since the 63-year old ex-Governor admitted he fathered a child with the pair’s former housekeeper, Mildred Baena.

Married since April, 1986 the pair separated on May 9th, calling it a mutual decision that was made “after a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion, and prayer.”

“After leaving the governor’s office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement released on May 17. “I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family.”

A statement issued later by Maria, 55, described the split as “a painful and heartbreaking time.” Part of it read;

“As a mother, my concern is for the children. I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal. I will have no further comment.”

The papers, which Maria signed on June 19, propose joint custody of the couple’s two sons; Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13, with joint responsibility for two adult daughters, Katherine, 21, and Christina, 19.

No date is listed for the official separation and no details concerning the division of assets are shown in the forms. It’s thought Arnold’s net worth is around $300-million and Maria’s got about $100m. They have no prenup, so under California law the total should be defined as community property and split 50/50. But Maria’s divorce papers put it this way:

“There are community and quasi-community assets and obligations of the parties, the exact nature and extent of which are unknown to petitioner at this time,” Shriver’s petition explains.

Reps for the two parties are not returning calls at the moment but we’ll update you if more details arrive…

Source: CNN