Adele & Simon Konecki: The $140 Million Divorce That Proved Why Singers Need Prenups
No prenup. No public drama. Just a quiet fortune split that may have cost Adele half of everything she earned during the marriage.
Key Facts
What Happened
Adele, the British singer whose albums '21' and '25' made her one of the best-selling artists of all time, began dating charity entrepreneur Simon Konecki in 2011. They had a son, Angelo, in October 2012, and secretly married in 2018. Adele confirmed the marriage during her 2017 Grammy acceptance speech when she referred to Konecki as her husband. The couple announced their separation in April 2019, and Adele filed for divorce in September 2019.
The divorce proceedings were handled with remarkable privacy. Both Adele and Konecki represented themselves in court, and the judge sealed the financial details under a confidentiality order that required anyone with knowledge of the settlement to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The divorce was finalized in March 2021. Reports estimated that Adele's fortune at the time was approximately $190 million, and crucially, the couple had no prenuptial agreement.
Without a prenup, Konecki was legally entitled to a share of everything Adele earned during their relationship and marriage. Under California community property law (they lived in Los Angeles), that could include revenue from her album '25,' which sold over 22 million copies worldwide, as well as touring income, endorsement deals, and royalties. Estimates of the settlement ranged from $140 to $170 million, though the exact figure remains sealed.
What makes this case notable is not drama but the absence of it. Unlike most celebrity divorces, there were no public accusations, no leaked details, and no tabloid warfare. Adele and Konecki co-parent Angelo amicably and live close to each other in Los Angeles. Adele later spoke openly about the financial impact, telling Oprah Winfrey that she would 'absolutely' get a prenup if she married again. Her album '30,' released in November 2021, was inspired by the divorce and became the best-selling album of 2021.
Legal Breakdown: No Prenup Consequences
No Prenup in a Community Property State
Adele and Konecki lived in California, a community property state where all income earned during the marriage is split 50/50. Without a prenup, Konecki had a legal claim to half of Adele's earnings during the marriage, including album sales, touring revenue, and royalties from '25.' This is why Adele later told Oprah she would 'absolutely' get a prenup next time.
Sealed Proceedings for Privacy
The court sealed the financial details of the settlement and required NDAs from anyone involved. While public figures often seek sealed proceedings, courts typically balance privacy against public interest. In this case, the lack of contested issues and mutual agreement made the seal easier to obtain. This approach protected both parties' financial details and their son's privacy.
Self-Representation in Amicable Divorces
Both Adele and Konecki represented themselves, which is unusual in high-net-worth divorces. This approach works when both parties agree on terms and trust each other's disclosures. It saved significant legal fees but carries risk — without counsel reviewing the agreement, either party might unknowingly waive valuable rights.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →A prenuptial agreement is not unromantic — it's essential financial planning. Even Adele, worth $190 million, learned this the hard way.
- →Amicable divorces are possible even at the highest financial stakes. The key is mutual respect, privacy, and prioritizing children.
- →California community property law applies to all income earned during marriage. If your career is your primary asset, a prenup protects your earnings.
- →Sealing court records can protect both parties from tabloid exploitation, but both sides must agree and the court must find privacy interests outweigh public interest.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.