Jude Law & Sadie Frost: The $18 Million Split and the Nanny Scandal That Followed
He paid $18 million — then the nanny affair became front-page news
Key Facts
What Happened
Jude Law and Sadie Frost married in September 1997 and had three children — Rafferty, Iris, and Rudy. The marriage deteriorated publicly, with tabloids chronicling the couple's volatile relationship and Frost's struggles with postnatal depression. They separated in January 2003, and the divorce was finalized on October 29, 2003.
The settlement was substantial by early-2000s standards. Law agreed to pay Frost $18 million, structured as $9 million for their London home, half the proceeds from the sale of a London flat, a $5.4 million lump sum, and $45,000 per month in ongoing support. He also assumed responsibility for the children's education, nannies, and maintenance costs — a comprehensive package that reflected both his rising Hollywood income and the need to provide stability for three young children.
The real scandal erupted after the divorce was final. In 2005, while engaged to actress Sienna Miller, Law was revealed to have had an affair with Daisy Wright, the nanny who cared for his and Frost's children. Law issued a humiliating public apology to Miller through his publicist, and the engagement was eventually called off. Frost later wrote in her memoir 'Crazy Days' about the toll the marriage and its aftermath took on her mental health.
The case became a cautionary tale about the intersection of divorce, infidelity, and public scrutiny. Frost was 'really knocked' by the public nature of the proceedings, while Law's post-divorce nanny scandal damaged his reputation significantly. Family law attorneys note that the generous settlement likely reflected Law's desire for a quick, clean break — though the subsequent scandal meant the 'clean break' never materialized.
Legal Breakdown: Infidelity and Settlement Leverage
English Divorce and Financial Provision
English courts have broad discretion in dividing assets, unlike the formulaic approaches in many U.S. states. Judges consider the needs of children, the standard of living during the marriage, each party's earning capacity, and contributions (including homemaking). Law's rapidly growing Hollywood income made him vulnerable to a large award.
Children's Expenses as Part of Settlement
In England, child maintenance is typically handled separately from the divorce settlement itself. Law's agreement to cover education, nannies, and maintenance costs in addition to the lump sum was an unusual provision that gave Frost comprehensive financial security for the children's upbringing.
Post-Divorce Scandals and Legal Exposure
While the nanny affair occurred after the divorce was final, it had legal implications. The revelation damaged Law's public image and affected his custody relationship. Post-divorce conduct, while not directly altering settlement terms, can influence future modification requests and custody arrangements.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →In England, courts have enormous discretion in dividing assets — there is no guaranteed 50/50 split, and the higher earner can face substantial obligations.
- →Settling quickly may cost more upfront but can prevent prolonged litigation that damages both parties emotionally and financially.
- →Post-divorce conduct matters — scandals that emerge after the settlement can affect custody, co-parenting relationships, and public reputation.
- →If you have children, the divorce settlement is not just about dividing assets — it must address education, childcare, and ongoing support comprehensively.
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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.