Robin Williams & Marsha Garces: The Hidden Cost of Hollywood's Funniest Man
Two divorces cost Williams an estimated $30 million — he joked they should call alimony 'all the money'
Key Facts
What Happened
Robin Williams married Marsha Garces in 1989, just a year after his divorce from first wife Valerie Velardi. Garces had originally been hired as a nanny for Williams' son Zachary during his first marriage, and their relationship blossomed into romance. Together they had two children — Zelda and Cody — and Garces became an active producer, working on films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Patch Adams alongside her husband.
In March 2008, Garces filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences after 19 years of marriage. The split came during a difficult period for Williams, who was dealing with heart surgery and financial pressures from his first divorce settlement. Williams famously quipped about his financial losses: 'Divorce is expensive. I used to joke they were going to call it all the money, but they changed it to alimony. It's ripping your heart out through your wallet.'
The divorce was finalized in 2010. While the exact terms were never publicly disclosed, reports indicate Garces received between $15 and $20 million in cash and assets, including a mansion. Combined with his first divorce from Velardi — who received at least $50,000 per month for life — Williams' two divorces cost him an estimated $30 million total. He later told interviewers he had to take on film and television roles he would have otherwise declined simply to meet his financial obligations.
After Williams' tragic death in August 2014, Garces controversially auctioned off some of his most prized personal belongings, including his bicycle collection and memorabilia. The auction raised over $6 million. Williams' third wife, Susan Schneider, and his children later became embroiled in their own legal battle over his estate, adding yet another chapter to the financial complexity that defined Williams' personal life.
Legal Breakdown: Serial Divorce Financial Planning
The Cumulative Cost of Serial Divorce
Williams' case illustrates how multiple divorces compound financial damage. His first divorce required lifetime alimony of $50,000+ per month. His second divorce added another $15–20 million. In California's community property system, each subsequent marriage and divorce exposes newly earned assets to division, creating a snowball effect that can devastate even enormous fortunes.
When Your Nanny Becomes Your Spouse
Williams married Garces, who had been his nanny, creating a relationship dynamic that raised questions about power imbalances. Courts generally do not consider how a relationship began when dividing assets, but the transition from employee to spouse can complicate prenuptial negotiations — the power dynamic that existed during the employment relationship may be scrutinized if a prenup is later challenged.
Post-Death Estate Disputes
After Williams' death, his third wife and his children from prior marriages fought over his estate. This is a common scenario when someone has been married multiple times. Proper estate planning — including trusts, updated beneficiary designations, and clear wills — is essential to prevent survivors from litigating over assets.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Multiple divorces create compounding financial obligations. Each new marriage without a prenup exposes all newly earned assets to potential division.
- →Lifetime alimony from a first divorce does not disappear when you remarry — it continues to drain resources alongside any new divorce settlement.
- →Estate planning is critical for anyone with children from multiple marriages. Without clear documentation, survivors will fight over assets.
- →Financial pressures from divorce can force career decisions — Williams took roles he would have declined just to cover alimony and settlements.
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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.