Mel B has called time on her turbulent marriage to Stephen Belafonte just one month before they reached their 10 year anniversary – in a bid to save her $40m fortune.
Under California state law, the courts can award indefinite spousal support if a couple has been wed more than 10 years without a prenup (which the couple didn’t have). The fact that Mel and Stephen have now only been married 9 years and 11 months means he is not entitled to “live off her money.” Tom Cruise divorced Nicole Kidman in a similar move in 2001.
Mel, 41, has amassed a $40m fortune from her Spice Girls career and has one daughter with Stephen, Madison aged 5. The couple have had a checkered past with reports of huge fights within the marriage.
Mel B has often been photographed with bruises and cuts on her and Stephen has confessed to having a temper and violent past.
