14 DAY TRIAL // Last week, Melanie Griffith went and filed divorce papers, seeking legal separation from her husband of 18 years Antonio Banderas. Official details of the split are being kept well under wraps, but a source close to the couple is vouching that this will be a very expensive divorce.
Think well beyond $50 million (€36.9 million)-type of expensive, People magazine reports. These two have made a lot of money with acting and they made sure they invested every penny of it in ventures all across the globe, from real estate to restaurants and homes.
Having been married a very long time ago, when prenups weren’t as “hot” as they are today and when even celebrities believed in that “’til death do us part” vow, it is widely believed that Melanie and Antonio did not sign one, which means they will have to split up everything they have 50/50 in the divorce.
“[They are] worth more than you think,” says a source. Indeed, they might be worth more than this, as the website Celebrity Net Worth estimates their joint estate is of about $65 million (€48.05 million). That’s a lot of money right there, and it could spell a prolonged divorce if they don’t have a prenuptial contract.
To make matters even more complicated, they also have investments outside of the US: restaurants around the world and houses in Spain, besides commercial real estate in LA and Miami, and the homes in LA, New York and Aspen.
“[Banderas] is a shrewd businessman; he has a lot of investments and business interests. Melanie's no slouch either; they don't spend money they don't have. They are very proud of that,” the inside source reveals.
“He doesn't brag about it, but if you ask him, he loves to talk business. He loves to talk about what makes money and what doesn't. He's very, very smart and savvy with his money. Obviously, money never seemed to be an issue with them. I don't think you'll find out that they're divorcing over money,” the friend continues.
Reports say that the divorce is not over money but over personal issues. If you believe the glossies, Antonio has been unfaithful for years and things just got to a point where Melanie can’t overlook it anymore. At the same time, her alcohol and drug addictions have also taken a toll on their relationship, with her relapse of a couple of years ago irremediably damaging it.
Antonio and Melanie have a daughter together, who turns 18 in September. Melanie is seeking spousal support and full custody.