The divorce could lead to a record payout of more than £100 million to Guy Ritchie. As the couple want a settlement by Christmas, Madonna and Ritchie could also become the first famous couple to agree their split with the new fast-track US-style collaborative approach, under reforms announced this week. This may mean a deal being agreed out of court within weeks and a consent order being approved by a judge within a few days. But if they fail to agree swiftly, the break-up may go to court. The collaborative approach would also bring them privacy.

With London now the divorce capital of the world, Ritchie would obtain the biggest deal here, if the couple agree to divorce through the English legal system.

Geraldine Morris, a LexisNexis family law expert, said: “The basis for deciding in which country the case can be heard is dependent on domicile and this in turn is dependent on either country of birth, or country of residence. Therefore, there is potential for conflict unless both parties can agree where to hold the case.”

Andrew Newbury, a divorce lawyer, said: “If Guy Ritchie were to instigate proceedings in Britain, then recent precedents mean Madonna would be facing the potential of a much larger settlement than, say, if she lived in California.”

The Sunday Times Rich List estimated the couple’s joint fortune at £300 million, but the vast majority is thought to stem from the singer’s long recording career. Madonna could deploy the “millionaire’s defence”, arguing that much of her fortune was acquired before the marriage. What was acquired during the marriage will then be on the table.

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