Anna Faris & Chris Pratt: The Five-Mile Rule and a Prenup That Worked
Their prenup included a rule that neither parent could live more than five miles away until their son finished sixth grade
Key Facts
What Happened
Anna Faris and Chris Pratt were one of Hollywood's most beloved couples, known for their self-deprecating humor and genuine warmth on social media. They married in July 2009 in Bali, Indonesia, and had one son, Jack, in 2012. Pratt's career exploded after 'Guardians of the Galaxy' in 2014, transforming him from a sitcom actor into one of the world's highest-paid movie stars.
In August 2017, the couple announced their separation in matching social media statements, emphasizing their mutual respect and love for their son. Pratt filed for divorce in December 2017, and the settlement was finalized in October 2018. The terms revealed a prenuptial agreement that had anticipated many of the issues that typically make celebrity divorces contentious.
The most creative provision was the five-mile rule: neither parent could live more than five miles from the other until Jack completed sixth grade. This ensured that custody transfers would be convenient, Jack's school routine would remain stable, and neither parent could relocate without the other's consent. They also agreed to maintain a joint bank account specifically for Jack's expenses, funded annually by both parents.
Both parties waived spousal support permanently — not just for the present, but for all future time. Physical custody was shared jointly with flexible scheduling to accommodate their acting careers. The divorce was widely praised as a model of how prenuptial agreements can protect both parties while prioritizing children's welfare. Pratt remarried in 2019 to Katherine Schwarzenegger, while Faris married cinematographer Michael Barrett in 2021.
Legal Breakdown: Creative Custody Provisions
Geographic Proximity Clauses
The five-mile rule is an increasingly common provision in custody agreements for high-income families. It prevents one parent from relocating to a different city or state, which would disrupt the child's routine and make joint custody impractical. Courts generally enforce these clauses as long as they serve the child's best interests.
Joint Expense Accounts for Children
Rather than one parent paying child support to the other, Faris and Pratt created a shared account funded by both parents for Jack's expenses. This approach eliminates disputes about how child support money is spent and ensures both parents contribute proportionally. It works best when both parents are high earners.
Permanent Spousal Support Waivers
Waiving spousal support permanently — not just during the initial settlement — is a significant concession that courts scrutinize carefully. In California, judges must ensure the waiver is not unconscionable and that both parties understood the long-term implications. The Faris-Pratt prenup survived this scrutiny because both were financially successful.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Geographic proximity clauses in custody agreements protect children's stability and make joint custody practical.
- →Joint expense accounts for children can eliminate disputes about how support money is spent.
- →A well-drafted prenup can address not just finances but also custody logistics, making divorce proceedings far smoother.
- →Permanent spousal support waivers are enforceable but require careful drafting and mutual understanding of the consequences.
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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.