Tom Cruise & Nicole Kidman: The 11-Year Marriage, Scientology's Shadow, and California's Alimony Cliff
Filed on the 11th year of marriage — just before California's 10-year rule would have triggered permanent alimony
Key Facts
What Happened
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were one of Hollywood's most glamorous couples, married in 1990 after meeting on the set of 'Days of Thunder.' They adopted two children, Isabella and Connor, and appeared together in Stanley Kubrick's final film, 'Eyes Wide Shut.' But behind the scenes, their marriage was fraying, with Scientology reportedly driving a wedge between them.
In February 2001, Cruise filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The timing was widely noted: the filing came shortly after their 10th wedding anniversary but before the 11th. Under California law, marriages lasting 10 years or longer are considered 'long-term,' which can trigger indefinite spousal support obligations. By filing when he did, Cruise limited his exposure to permanent alimony, though the exact impact of this timing has been debated by legal scholars.
Kidman initially contested the filing, and there were allegations that Scientology's influence had alienated Cruise from both Kidman and their adopted children. Kidman later said in interviews that the divorce was devastating and unexpected. The settlement was estimated at approximately $90 million for Kidman, though the exact terms were confidential.
After the divorce, Isabella and Connor remained with Cruise and became active Scientologists. Kidman's limited contact with her adopted children became a source of ongoing public sympathy and media attention. Kidman went on to win the Academy Award for 'The Hours' in 2003, and later said that leaving the marriage was ultimately liberating. The case remains the most cited example of how the California '10-year rule' affects divorce strategy.
Legal Breakdown: Spousal Support
California's 10-Year Rule
In California, marriages lasting 10 years or more are considered 'long-term,' and the court retains jurisdiction over spousal support indefinitely. This doesn't mean permanent alimony is guaranteed, but it gives the lower-earning spouse the right to request it at any time. Strategic timing of divorce filings around this threshold is common.
Religious Influence & Custody
Scientology's alleged role in the Cruise-Kidman divorce raises the issue of how religious practices affect custody. Courts generally cannot favor one religion over another, but they can consider whether specific practices are harmful to children's wellbeing.
Adopted Children in Divorce
Legally, adopted children have the same rights as biological children in custody proceedings. However, when one parent's religious community alienates children from the other parent, the alienated parent may have grounds for custody modification.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Be aware of your state's alimony duration thresholds. In California, the 10-year mark is critical for spousal support eligibility.
- →Religious differences can become a major factor in both divorce and custody. Courts evaluate the impact on children, not the validity of the religion itself.
- →The timing of a divorce filing can have enormous financial consequences. Consult a lawyer about strategic timing before either filing or waiting.
- →Adopted children have the same custody rights as biological children. Don't let anyone suggest otherwise.
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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.