Marshall Mathers III, the singer's real name, has spent so much time in court with Kimberly, his high school sweetheart, that many wonder as to why he ever re-married her in the first place. The Eminem-Kim relationship has been a troubled one almost from the very beginning and, at the same time, an apparent unlimited source of inspiration for his most angry lyrics.

The couple had a baby girl, Hallie, in 1996, then tied the knot in 1999, only to get a divorce in 2001. A month after their first divorce was final, Eminem and Kimberly announced they were getting back together and re-married a few days later.

Their second marriage was as unfortunate as the first one, only briefer. It lasted no more than 82 days and the divorce proceedings have been going on, more complicated by the day, ever since April this year. The former spouses failed to reach an amicable understanding thus far and their case has been commended to a mediator.

A date for their first meeting with the mediator hasn't been set yet, but both lawyers are optimistic about the chances of ending the pending trial on a friendly basis. The only thing that both parties agreed on until now is that they are interested, first and foremost, in the welfare of the children (Hallie and Kim's daughter).

'Mr. Mathers only concern is the welfare of his children. Hopefully, we'll put the matter behind us', said Eminem's attorney. He was seconded in that by the lawyer Kimberly hired to represent her in court: 'Like Marshall... what she really wants is the welfare of the children. The parties are hopeful that it will be settled amicably'.