blog home Divorce Actor John Cleese Paid Over $20M in His Divorce. Learn From His Mistakes and Avoid Excessive Payouts

Actor John Cleese Paid Over $20M in His Divorce. Learn From His Mistakes and Avoid Excessive Payouts

By Nottage and Ward on June 15, 2025

A financially devastating divorce settlement can dismantle decades of hard work. In fact, legendary comedian John Cleese finalized his divorce from his third wife, reportedly paying over $20 million in cash, assets, and ongoing spousal support.

His now-famous quip said, “I got off lightly. Think what I would have had to pay her if she had contributed anything to the relationship.” While it may have drawn laughs, the cautionary tale is clear for high-earning professionals, entrepreneurs, and public figures.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we guide Illinois professionals through divorce with a sharp focus on preserving wealth, minimizing exposure, and planning for long-term financial stability.

Here is what you can learn from celebrity divorce cases like John Cleese’s, including what proactive steps to take to avoid an excessive divorce payout in Illinois.

High Earners Are at Greater Risk

Doctors, business owners, executives, and entertainers often face outsized financial risks in divorce. Unlike typical wage earners, your income may fluctuate, your wealth may be tied to business equity or intellectual property, and your public profile may attract heightened scrutiny or inflated expectations.

The key financial threats in high-net-worth divorce settlements include:

• Spousal support (maintenance) obligations based on high income
• Equitable distribution of business interests, real estate, and investments
• Future income potential factored into settlement value
• Publicity or reputation damage that can pressure early settlement

John Cleese reportedly had to give his ex-wife multiple homes and pay an annual spousal support sum for years following their split. While his case occurred in the UK, the risk of overpaying in divorce is just as real in Illinois—unless you prepare ahead of time.

What You Need to Know About Divorce in Illinois

Equitable Distribution of Property

Illinois is an equitable distribution state, not a 50/50 state. That means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors include:

• Length of the marriage
• Contributions of each spouse (including homemaking)
• Income and earning capacity
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
• Tax consequences and future financial needs

Divorce asset protection for professionals often involves identifying which assets are non-marital (e.g., property acquired before marriage, gifts, inheritances) and ensuring those are properly documented and preserved.

If you commingled non-marital assets, such as placing business income into a joint account, you may unintentionally have turned them into marital property. A thorough forensic review is often required.

Valuing a Business or Practice

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or physician with a private practice, business valuation can be one of the most contentious and dangerous parts of your divorce.

Illinois courts may value:

• The market worth of the business
• Your ownership interest (partial or full)
• Goodwill (especially personal goodwill in professional practices)
• Expected future income

Failing to hire your own independent valuation expert can result in overinflated estimates and leave you vulnerable to buyout demands or revenue-sharing orders.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we work with business owner divorce advice teams that include forensic accountants and valuation professionals to help our clients push back on inflated appraisals and preserve control of the companies they built.

Spousal Support (Maintenance)

Illinois courts award spousal maintenance based on a statutory formula—but only after determining that support is appropriate.

Factors the court considers include:

• The length of the marriage
• Income disparity
• The recipient spouse’s needs and earning capacity
• Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage (career sacrifices, child care, etc.)

For high earners, the spousal support strategy in Illinois must focus on controlling the narrative. If you can demonstrate that your spouse is voluntarily unemployed, has hidden income, or has exaggerated their lifestyle needs, you may reduce or avoid long-term maintenance.

John Cleese’s ongoing obligation to support an ex-spouse who had not contributed to his career underscores the danger of leaving these decisions to chance.

Tools to Protect Yourself Financially

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

One of the most effective ways to avoid an excessive divorce payout in Illinois is to establish a clear, enforceable prenup or postnup.

These agreements can:

• Define what counts as marital and non-marital property
• Predetermine spousal support (or waive it altogether)
• Protect inherited wealth and business assets
• Provide clarity and reduce litigation risk

Illinois courts will uphold prenups if they are entered into voluntarily, with full disclosure and independent counsel. If you’re already married, a postnuptial agreement can still offer meaningful protection.

Separate and Document Non-Marital Assets

If you acquired property or investments before marriage or received gifts or inheritances individually, keep them in separate accounts and avoid commingling.

Maintain documentation showing the origin and nature of these assets. This documentation can be critical in proving that an asset should not be included in the marital estate.

Use Trusts and Business Structures

Estate planning tools like irrevocable trusts or properly structured LLCs may shield certain assets from division—provided they were not created in anticipation of divorce or used as vehicles for hiding income.

Always consult with a Chicago divorce attorney to ensure these strategies are used legally and ethically.

Negotiate Instead of Litigate

Private settlement, mediation, and collaborative law can be faster, less expensive, and more private than courtroom litigation. They can also give you more control over the outcome.

While John Cleese’s divorce played out in the press, your divorce doesn’t have to. Working discreetly and strategically can help preserve both your finances and your reputation.

Why Choose Nottage and Ward, LLP?

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand the high financial stakes of divorce for business owners, medical professionals, and public figures. Our attorneys have over 35 years of experience handling high-net-worth divorce settlements in Illinois.

We are known for:

• Sharp financial analysis
• Discreet, strategic negotiation
• Strong courtroom advocacy
• Extensive experience with business valuations, trust structures, and complex income streams
• Understanding the nuances of professional and executive divorce

Speak With a High-Asset Illinois Divorce lawyer Today

Whether you’re contemplating divorce or already in the process, proactive legal guidance can help you avoid unnecessary losses. Our team at Nottage and Ward, LLP, helps clients plan ahead, act smart, and emerge with their financial futures intact.

We will work with you to create a smart strategy that protects what you’ve built while positioning you for a stable future. Call (312) 332-2915 to schedule a consultation today.