Did Bill Gates and Melinda Gates Have a Prenup? Here’s What’s up for Grabs in the Divorce
Celebrity marriages aren’t exactly known for being long lasting. In Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda Gates’ case, however, it seemed like their union would be enduring. But yesterday, the pair announced that after 27 years and three children, they would be splitting. Of course, one of the first questions on everyone’s minds at the news of the split was if Melinda and Bill Gates had a prenup and what they each stood to lose in the divorce.
Bill and Melinda’s relationship
The couple met way back when Microsoft was just a startup. Bill had already been working as the CEO when the two married in 1994. Over the years, Bill had three children with Melinda, Rory John (21), Jennifer Katharine (25) and Phoebe Adele (18).
In 2000, the pair started the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is a “nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world,” according to its website. The foundation itself is now worth over $40 billion, according to reports from People.
Bill Gates and wife Melinda Gates announce divorce
Melinda and Bill released a statement regarding their separation on social media.
“After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage,” the statement reads. “Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives.
“We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives,” the statement continued. “We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.”
Do Bill Gates and Melinda Gates have a prenup?
Melinda was the one to officially file for divorce. According to the divorce documents that were filed in King County, Washington and obtained by People, the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement but will separate their assets based on a separation agreement. In the petition, Melinda declined spousal support.
What assets are at stake in Bill Gates’ divorce?
In addition to the foundation, the pair also own a number of homes together, including a 66,000-square foot mansion in Medina, Washington. The property is currently worth $130.88 million, according to King County public records. The pair also bought a $43 million home in Del Mar, California last year. They also have a private plane.
In fact, the pair has so much money that Melinda once noted how unfair their wealth was.
“It’s not fair that we have so much wealth when billions of others have so little. And it’s not fair that our wealth opens doors that are closed to most people,” Gates wrote in a 2018 letter from the foundation.
According to Forbes, Bill’s net worth is currently $130 billion. Melinda’s net worth is not known.
It is unclear how the assets will be divided as the separation agreement between Melinda and Bill has not been made public.
