Not-so-famous on this side of the Atlantic, British supercouple Cheryl Cole and Ashley Cole are dominating tabloid headlines in England this week. After separating in February, singer Cheryl has filed for divorce from her football (soccer) star husband. Cheryl’s attorneys filed paperwork for a fast-track divorce this week. It is expected that the two will be officially unmarried before what would have been their fourth anniversary in July.

For those not in-the-know, Cheryl Cole gained fame back in 2002 when she was part of a British reality show called Popstars and ultimately became part of a successful girl band, Girls Aloud. The group had many top 10 singles in the years following their reality show creation. They are currently on hiatus.

Since 2008, Cheryl has served as a judge on the wildly popular British competitive reality show X-Factor, created by American Idol producer and judge Simon Cowell.

Ashley Cole is a defensive player for both the Chelsea football club and the English national football team. His talent, good looks and famous wife have made him a tabloid favorite over the years.

The Coles married in July 2006 but have no children. Their joint assets are estimated at more than £27million and include a £6million country mansion. Ashley’s annual earnings are at least £6million including his football salary and endorsement deals. Cheryl’s earnings include advertising contracts with several high profile companies including L’Oreal makeup. It is generally believed that Ashley outearns Cheryl.

Despite speculation that a judge would split their marital assets evenly, it now appears that Cheryl will not be seeking “her share” of his income and assets. She reportedly decided to move forward with the divorce without any argument over division of assets so that Ashley could concentrate on the upcoming World Cup without distraction.

The split comes on the heels of reports of at least five different women who had extramarital relations with Ashley Cole over the six years the couple has been either dating or married. The divorce is expected to be final before England’s first World Cup game on June 12.

Library Topics: divorce, marriage, marital property, equitable distribution, adultery