Mel Gibson & Robyn Moore: $425 Million and No Prenup — Hollywood's Largest Divorce Settlement
31 years of marriage, no prenup, and California's community property law gave her half of everything — $425 million
Key Facts
What Happened
Mel Gibson married Australian dental nurse Robyn Moore in 1980, before he became a household name. They had seven children together during a marriage that lasted 31 years. By the time they separated in 2006, Gibson was one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood and had directed 'The Passion of the Christ,' which alone grossed over $600 million worldwide. Their combined marital estate was estimated at $850 million.
Crucially, the Gibsons had no prenuptial agreement. They married when Gibson was an unknown actor, and neither imagined the fortune that would follow. Under California community property law, Robyn was entitled to exactly half of everything earned during the marriage. With no prenup to argue over and a 31-year marriage, the math was straightforward.
The divorce was finalized in 2011, with Robyn receiving approximately $425 million — making it one of the largest celebrity divorce settlements in history at the time. Despite the enormous sum, the proceedings were relatively private and civil. Robyn did not seek to embarrass Gibson publicly, even as his reputation was being destroyed by separate controversies including a DUI arrest with antisemitic remarks and recorded tirades against girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.
The Gibson-Moore divorce is the textbook example of California community property law in action. When there is no prenup and the marriage is long-term, the division is essentially mechanical: calculate the marital estate and divide it in half. Gibson's case is cited in virtually every family law textbook as the definitive example of why high-earning individuals need prenuptial agreements.
Legal Breakdown: Community Property
Community Property: The 50/50 Rule
California is a community property state. All assets and income earned during the marriage are split equally upon divorce. With no prenup and a 31-year marriage, Robyn was legally entitled to exactly half. There was almost nothing to litigate.
No Prenup, No Protection
Gibson married before his career took off, when a prenup seemed unnecessary. This is extremely common — most couples who later become wealthy never anticipated the need. The Gibson case is the ultimate argument for prenuptial agreements, even for couples with modest means.
Dignity in Divorce
Despite having enormous ammunition to embarrass Gibson publicly (his DUI, antisemitic remarks, and other controversies), Robyn conducted the divorce quietly. This dignified approach likely contributed to a smoother and faster settlement.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →No prenup in a community property state means a 50/50 split. Period. If you live in California, Arizona, Texas, or other community property states, a prenup is essential.
- →You don't need to be rich today to need a prenup. The Gibsons married when Mel was unknown. Future success is unpredictable.
- →A 31-year marriage virtually guarantees a major settlement. Long marriages produce the largest awards by far.
- →Conducting divorce with dignity can lead to faster, smoother outcomes. Weaponizing personal information often backfires.
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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.