January 12, 2012: A Brand New Market: Katy Perry and Russell Brand Go Solo

By Ron Garant

Whether comedian Russell Brand, 36, filed for divorce because he wanted his wife of 14-months, popster Katy Perry, 27, to settle down and have a family, or that she wanted him to be the petitioner to avoid disappointing her evangelical family, one thing is for sure: there’ll be a lot of money to divvy up. Forbes magazine estimates Perry’s net worth to be $44 million, while Brand’s is approximately $15 million. With no marital prenup, California law dictates a 50/50 split, which amounts to roughly $30 million each. That being the case, both of their lawyers will have to work out an amicable agreement. At the time of their wedding, Brand had said, “I’m trying to preserve and make it a beautiful thing. Really, love between two people is the most spectacular and ordinary thing in the world. I want to make our wedding just about me and her, I ain’t doing no prenup.”

There is speculation that the two had a "big row" before Christmas that ended with Perry heading to Hawaii, and Brand to London, where he may soon settle.

"Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends," Brand told PEOPLE Magazine.

The couple had often been described as being very much unlike each other, and although they always stated the marriage was solid, something came between them, quite possibly their different lifestyles. Once a heroin addict, Brand is now a teetotaler while Perry likes her parties and booze.

The British actor met his singer wife at the VMA's in 2009 where Brand was hosting and Perry was performing. They were married in 2010 in India, in a very private ceremony. Apparently Brand has also angered Hindus because the couple went the extra mile to marry in a religious Indian ceremony. “If celebrities opt for a Hindu wedding, they should be prepared to adhere to the commitment, devotion, responsibility, sanctity and morals, which are attached to it," said Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism.

Brand ticked the box for ‘Property rights to be determined,’ in the divorce document that he had filed, which also suggests the pair did not have a pre-nuptial agreement.

They reportedly have at least three properties together in California, New York and London.

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