Paul McCartney 'ready to talk'

Sir Paul McCartney is considering an out-of-court divorce settlement to prevent Heather Mills talking about their marriage.

The Beatles legend is reportedly keen to avoid a High Court battle next month after discovering Heather plans to represent herself in the settlement.

Paul - worth an estimated £800 million - is said to be concerned the former model will use the opportunity to discuss intimate details about their marriage and fears their four-year-old daughter Beatrice could be affected by the revelations.

The musician's legal team is believed to have contacted Heather and told her: "Paul is ready to talk."

A source said: "Paul and Heather have spoken three or four times in recent days over the phone. It seems that the mood has definitely changed and they are both now ready to resolve things sensibly."

Heather, who is representing herself after splitting from top legal firm Mishcon de Reya, is reportedly planning to build her case on the idea that splitting from Paul has ruined her chance of being happy and successful.

The source added to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "She is going to say that before they met people liked her and admired her, she was successful, had her own career and income. Heather is claiming that when they got together, he stopped her from having a career.

"She will say that now they have split, she is a hate figure and unemployable so Paul should compensate financially for the rest of her life."

The 40-year-old vegan is also preparing to argue she has revived Paul's music career.

The source added: "When they first met he was ruined by the death of Linda - his music wasn't going anywhere. She will say he got his career back on track."

Documents leaked last year alleged Paul was physically and verbally abusive toward Heather during their four-year marriage.

A source said: "She wants to come across less money-grabbing and barmy and more the wronged wife and mother."

Representatives for Heather and Paul would not comment on reports the
musician is considering an out of court settlement.