Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has reportedly settled a lawsuit brought by her ex-lover Toni Layton for an estimated $3 million. Layton, who left her husband to be with Navratilova, had sued, claiming that Navratilova broke up with her after eight years and changed the locks on a Florida home they shared.

After feeling insulted by a $200,000 settlement offer, Layton also threatened to make public certain secrets she claimed Navratilova had. The former couple fought in court for two years over money, four houses in Florida and Colorado, multiple cars, a boat, jewelry, an animal sanctuary in Florida, art and pets, before settling out of court.

Layton’s lawsuit claimed the couple agreed to ‘evenly share (50 per cent/50 per cent) all funds and assets earned and obtained by either while together’. They were not legally married under Florida or U.S. law but did have a wedding ceremony.

Layton’s lawyer, Raymond Rafool, confirmed that the case had been resolved and stated that “[t]he terms of the settlement are confidential.”

Back in 1991, Navratilova and longtime girlfriend Judy Nelson split after an eight year relationship. At the time, it was rumored that Navratilova paid Nelson a settlement amount in the neighborhood of $3.5 million. That settlement did not contain a confidentiality clause and Nelson went on to write two books about Navratilova.

But Navratilova, who currently has breast cancer, insisted on a confidentiality agreement this time. There was apparently no written cohabitation agreement or other contract similar to a prenuptial agreement. Navratilova’s attorneys relied upon the fact that there was no legal same-sex marriage between the parties in their courtroom arguments. It appears, though, that they felt that Layton’s argument might carry some weight in court and agreed to settle.

Navratilova is now dating former Miss Universe Julia Lemigova.

Library Topics: settlement, requirements for valid marriage, cohabitation agreement, prenuptial agreement, same-sex marriage