Courteney Cox & David Arquette: The Scream Stars Who Divorced for Almost Nothing
No prenup, no lawyers at signing, no monetary settlement — just two adults choosing peace
Key Facts
What Happened
Courteney Cox and David Arquette met on the set of the original Scream in 1996 and married in June 1999. Their marriage produced one daughter, Coco, born in 2004. As Cox continued to dominate television with Cougar Town after Friends, and Arquette pursued wrestling and acting projects, the couple grew apart both personally and professionally.
In October 2010, the couple announced their separation, with Arquette making the unusual choice of discussing their breakup candidly on The Howard Stern Show. He revealed intimate details about their relationship, including that they had been sleeping in separate bedrooms and had not been intimate for months. Despite the public revelations, both parties maintained they still loved each other and prioritized their daughter's wellbeing above all else.
The divorce was finalized in 2013 after the couple signed papers without lawyers present — a remarkable fact given that they had no prenuptial agreement and owned significant joint assets, including their production company Coquette Productions. A Los Angeles judge approved the divorce with virtually no monetary settlement. Both parties agreed to joint physical and legal custody of Coco. Cox told More magazine: 'As divorces go, this is the best one we could provide.'
The Cox-Arquette divorce stands as one of Hollywood's most genuinely amicable splits. Despite having every legal basis to engage in a contentious financial battle — no prenup, significant community property, a production company — they chose cooperation over conflict. The case proved that even without a prenup, a divorce can cost virtually nothing when both parties approach it with goodwill and a shared commitment to their child's stability.
Legal Breakdown: Amicable No-Prenup Divorce
No Prenup, No Problem — If Both Parties Agree
The absence of a prenup does not automatically mean a contentious divorce. When both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith and neither seeks to maximize their legal entitlements, the divorce can be resolved simply and cheaply. Cox and Arquette demonstrated that the prenup question is less about the document and more about the parties' intentions.
Signing Without Attorneys Present
While it is generally recommended to have attorneys review divorce agreements, Cox and Arquette signed their papers without lawyers. This is legally permissible in California and can work well when both parties are genuinely aligned. However, it carries risks — without legal review, one party might inadvertently waive rights they did not understand.
Joint Production Company Division
Coquette Productions was a significant marital asset. Rather than engaging in a contentious valuation battle, the couple apparently resolved this quietly as part of their overall amicable settlement. Business assets in divorce can be extremely complex, but they do not have to be if both parties cooperate.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →A prenup is important, but its absence does not doom you to a contentious divorce. What matters most is both parties' willingness to negotiate fairly.
- →Signing divorce papers without lawyers is risky but can work when both parties genuinely agree on terms and understand what they are giving up.
- →Putting your child first is not just a cliché — it can literally save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees by motivating both parties to cooperate.
- →Public discussions about your divorce (like Arquette's Howard Stern appearance) can complicate proceedings. Consider a mutual agreement to keep details private.
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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.