Chris Rock & Malaak Compton-Rock: The Expired Prenup That Cost Millions
They had a prenup. It had a sunset clause. After 18 years, the clause kicked in, the prenup expired, and suddenly Chris Rock's $70 million fortune was on the table.
Key Facts
What Happened
Chris Rock filed for divorce from philanthropist Malaak Compton-Rock in December 2014, ending a 19-year marriage. The comedian, worth an estimated $70 million from stand-up tours, film roles, and hosting gigs, assumed he was protected by the prenuptial agreement they had signed before their 1996 wedding. There was just one problem: the prenup had a sunset clause that caused it to expire on their 18th wedding anniversary, just one year before Rock filed for divorce.
A sunset clause is a provision that causes a prenuptial agreement to expire after a specified period, typically after a certain number of years of marriage. The rationale is that after decades together, both spouses have contributed equally to the marriage and should share equally in its assets. For Rock, this meant that his prenup was worthless by the time he needed it, and all his earnings were potentially subject to equitable distribution under New Jersey law.
The custody dispute added another layer of complexity. The couple had two biological daughters, Lola Simone and Zahra Savannah. Compton-Rock also had an adopted daughter from South Africa, though the details of this adoption became contentious during proceedings. They eventually agreed to 50/50 custody. Compton-Rock sought a financial settlement "commensurate with the marital standard of living" given her two decades of child-rearing and charitable work.
The divorce was finalized in 2016 with a reported settlement of approximately $40 million, more than half of Rock's estimated fortune. Rock later channeled the experience into his stand-up special Tamborine, joking about infidelity, divorce, and the financial pain of separation. The case became a famous cautionary tale in family law circles about the hidden dangers of sunset clauses in prenuptial agreements.
Legal Breakdown: Sunset Clauses in Prenups
Sunset Clauses: The Prenup Time Bomb
A sunset clause causes a prenup to expire after a specified period. They are sometimes included to make prenups feel less adversarial, but they can be devastating if a marriage lasts past the expiration date. Rock's prenup expired one year before he filed for divorce, potentially costing him tens of millions. If your prenup has a sunset clause, review it regularly with an attorney.
Equitable Distribution in New Jersey
Without a valid prenup, New Jersey's equitable distribution laws applied. Unlike community property states that split assets 50/50, equitable distribution considers factors like marriage duration, standard of living, and each spouse's contributions. After 19 years, courts typically award a significant share to the non-earning or lower-earning spouse.
The Adopted Child Complication
The status of Compton-Rock's adopted daughter became a dispute. Adoptions completed by one spouse without the other's legal participation can create complex custody situations. If you are adopting, ensure both spouses are legal parties to the adoption to prevent disputes later.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Review your prenuptial agreement regularly, especially if it contains a sunset clause. Know exactly when provisions expire and plan accordingly.
- →Sunset clauses can cost millions. If you are negotiating a prenup, consider whether a sunset clause truly serves your interests long-term.
- →Even after a painful divorce, healing is possible. Rock channeled his experience into acclaimed creative work. Your story is not defined by your divorce.
- →If you or your spouse has adopted a child, ensure all legal paperwork is in order. Unclear adoption status can become a weapon in divorce proceedings.
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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.