Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness to face messy divorce proceedings: Reports

After nearly 30 years of marriage, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness are facing challenges in formalising their separation. Although the couple announced their split in September 2023, they have yet to file for divorce. Reports suggest that the delay stems from complexities related to their choice not to have a prenuptial agreement.

The absence of such an agreement is believed to be causing prolonged negotiations over the division of assets and finances, further complicating the process of ending their long-standing relationship.

According to the Daily Mail, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’s separation could turn "messy" as they navigate the division of their considerable $250 million fortune. A source close to the Wolverine star revealed to the British outlet, "One of the main reasons they haven’t filed yet is their lack of a prenuptial agreement."

The couple met on the Australian TV show Correlli in 1995 and tied the knot in April 1996. They later adopted two children: their son Oscar, now 24, and daughter Ava, now 19.

“When they got married, they thought it would be forever. Who doesn’t?” the source told Daily Mail.

“At the time, neither of them expected Hugh’s career to get as enormous as it has. Because there was no prenup, and he made a fortune during their marriage, this divorce is not going to be cut and dry. It may even get messy because the stakes are high.” he continued and revealed that, "They put their differences aside to co-parent and he cares a lot about is children."

The couple's joint assets include an extensive property portfolio, featuring a $3.5 million estate in East Hampton, a $5.9 million Bondi beach house in Sydney, and a $21 million Manhattan penthouse acquired just a year before their separation. "A lot of moving parts need to be worked out and there is a huge amount of money involved," the insider shared, adding that they aim to “make this as easy as possible” for both parties.

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster recently confirmed their relationship after being spotted holding hands outside a Los Angeles restaurant. This new development has reportedly added tension, as Deborra-Lee Furness has been grappling with feelings of “resentment and an imbalance of power” during the later years of their marriage.

“They are cordial to each other, but they are no longer friends,” the source further told Daily Mail. “They put their differences aside to co-parent, and he cares a lot about his children.”

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s relationship started as a friendship during their time on Broadway. However, an insider emphasized that there was no overlap between Jackman’s relationships with Furness and Foster. Despite this, Furness fueled rumors by “liking” a social media post accusing Jackman of “running off with the mistress.”