As Chahal may pay Rs 60 cr to Dhanashree, know world’s record-breaking divorce settlements

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and influencer Dhanashree Verma are speculated to have divorced. However, Dhanashree’s lawyer has denied the divorce reports while suggesting the media considering fact-check before publishing any such news.

Moreover, speculations are rife that Dhanashree has demanded Rs 60 crore as divorce settlement. Amid these, here’s a sneak peek into the record-breaking divorce settlements in the world:

High-Profile Divorces In The World

The world of high-profile divorces has seen some staggering settlements in recent years. 

- The divorce between Bill and Melinda Gates in 2021 resulted in a $76 billion settlement, making it the most expensive divorce in history. 

- Following closely is the 2019 split between Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, where MacKenzie received a settlement of $38 billion.

- Divorce of Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein was settled at $3.8 billion settlement in the 1990s. 

- Rupert and Anna Murdoch's $1.7 billion settlement in 1998 is also one of the highest. 

Also Read: Amid Chahal-Dhanashree divorce, know high-profile cricket splits and socio-financial implications

What Influences Such Settlements?

Several factors contribute to these enormous divorce settlements. In many cases, the wealth accumulated during the marriage is considered marital property and is subject to division. This was evident in the Bezos divorce, where MacKenzie Scott received a 4% stake in Amazon. The length of the marriage also plays a crucial role, as seen in the Gates' 27-year union. 

Additionally, the involvement of business interests can complicate settlements, as demonstrated by the careful handling of Amazon shares in the Bezos divorce. High-net-worth divorces often involve complex asset categories such as luxury real estate, commercial properties, vehicles, and business interests, all of which require careful valuation and division.

Divorce Statistics and Demographics

In the United States, the divorce rate per 1,000 married women stands at 16.9, down from an all-time high of 22.6 in the early 1980s. Approximately 41% of first marriages end in divorce, with the rate increasing for subsequent marriages - 60% for second marriages and 73% for third marriages

Changing Divorce Aspects in India

Recent high-profile divorces in India have brought attention to the complexities of settlements in different cultural contexts. For example, the separation of Raymond Group's chairman Gautam Singhania and his wife Nawaz Modi in 2023 reportedly involved a demand for 75% of Singhania's net worth, estimated at over INR 5,000 crore. 

Also Read: Hardik Pandya, Esha Deol to Isha Koppikar: 5 shocking celebrity divorces in 2024

Similarly, the divorce of singer Yo Yo Honey Singh and Shalini Talwar in 2023 resulted in a settlement of Rs 1 crore. These cases highlight the increasing visibility of divorce settlements in cultures where divorce was once taboo. Legally, divorce cases continue to shape settlement norms.