Madonna and Guy divorce granted

Madonna and Guy Ritchie's divorce has been granted.

The pair - who were married for nearly eight years - were given a decree nisi at the clinical Principal Registry of the Family Division in High Holborn, London, this morning (21.11.08).

Listed under the names Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S, their case was heard by District Judge Reid along with 16 other cases which were for "pronouncement of decree or order under the special procedure rule".

In court papers and an affidavit signed in Beverly Hills, Madonna listed Guy's "unreasonable behaviour" as the reason for the divorce.

Neither party were present at the court. The couple must now wait six weeks and one day before their decree absolute is awarded, officially ending their marriage. It has been claimed Guy will receive £2 million of the pop superstar's reported £300 million fortune and will share custody of the pair's sons Rocco and David.

Guy said last night (20.11.08): "It dragged on much too long and that had nothing to do with me. It was never about the money - never about her b****y art collection. I just wanted to settle it and move on.

"I didn't raise any objections at any stage until she insisted the children lived permanently in New York." Madonna's daughter Lourdes, from a previous relationship, will remain with her in New York.