In the last year, NFL superstar Tom Brady has been making news on the football field and off. The latest breaking news puts a spotlight on his home life. Speculation has grown that Brady and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bündchen are headed toward a divorce.
If the rumors are true, what would a Brady-Bündchen divorce look like? How would the powerhouse couple divide up the life — and millions of dollars they built together?
The Brady-Bündchen Love Story
When Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen met, Bündchen was one of the most famous supermodels in the world. She had an empire of her own, making millions through her advertising and modeling campaigns. Brady was a well-known football player but not yet the greatest quarterback of all time.
The two married in 2009. In the time since their marriage, Bündchen slowed her career a bit while Brady established himself as one of the most influential NFL players of all time. The couple grew their celebrity and wealth, and they acquired millions in assets.
In early 2022, it seemed they were ready to call it quits on their football life, and Brady announced his retirement. But after only 40 days, Brady changed his mind and announced that he would return to football.
According to reports, his return was good for Tampa Bay where he plays for the Buccaneers. But, it wasn’t good for his marriage. Bündchen is reportedly upset at his decision to return, which could be the reason why Bündchen was recently spotted leaving a divorce attorney’s office.
Many are now speculating that Brady, 45, and Bündchen, 42 are getting ready to file for divorce.
So, what would happen if the rumors are true?
Related: How to Prepare for the First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney
Where Would the Couple File for Divorce?
The couple owns multiple properties, but their primary residence appears to be in the state of Florida. They recently purchased a $17 million mansion in Indian Creek in Miami, Florida.
With their primary residence in Florida, they would need to file for divorce in Florida, and their divorce would follow Florida divorce laws.
Related: How to File for Divorce in Florida
What Would the Divorce Process Look Like?
At this time, it appears that Bündchen is leading the possible divorce process. If she were to file for divorce, Brady would then be served with divorce papers.
After divorce papers are served, Brady would have twenty days to file an answer. The answer would tell the court if he agrees or disagrees with the initial filing. From there, the couple would need to create an agreement to divide up their assets and liabilities and set guidelines for child custody and support.
It is rumored that the couple has a prenup that could make their split-up easier. Like Kim Kardashian and Kayne West, who had a prenup, the couple came into their marriage with a large amount of wealth on both sides, so it wouldn’t be unusual to already have an agreement in place. But, they would still need to determine what to do with assets gained during their marriage and to make plans for their children. They could argue these issues in court or choose to go through divorce mediation.
Related: 6 Ways to Prepare for Divorce Mediation
What’s at Stake?
If Brady and Bündchen move forward with their divorce, they will need to come to an agreement regarding many aspects of the life they built together.
Distribution of Financial Assets, Debts, and Properties: The couple will need to split up millions of dollars in assets and property. According to PEOPLE Magazine, the couple owns “a house at the exclusive Yellowstone Resort in Montana, a $3.5 million NYC apartment, a home in Costa Rica, and the $17 million mansion they purchased in Miami’s elite Indian Creek Island.” They also have millions of dollars of assets. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Bündchen is reportedly worth $400 million, while Brady is worth an estimated $250 million.
Child Custody, Parenting Time, and Child Support: Bündchen and Brady have two children together: Benjamin Rein, 12, and Vivian, 9. They also co-parent Brady’s son John Edward, 15, with Brady’s ex, Bridget Moynahan. Part of their divorce settlement will involve agreements on child custody, parenting time, and child support. Whoever has more custody responsibilities may be entitled to child support.
Related: 5 Types of Child Custody and What They Mean for Your Family
Spousal Support: Both Bündchen and Brady have made millions in their careers, but that doesn’t mean neither will have to pay spousal support. While Bündchen may have a higher net worth, she could be entitled to support if the court focuses on the couple’s more recent earnings. Bündchen has taken time away from work to focus on her family while Brady has been focusing on his career and earning higher wages in the past few years. Brady originally signed a two-year $50 million deal with the Buccaneers in 2020, and he recently signed a 10-year $375 million deal with Fox Sports. His recent earnings could make it more likely that Bündchen could receive some sort of spousal support.
Rumors and expectations for the divorce are all speculative, so we will have to wait and see what the future holds for Brady and Bündchen.
Find a Trusted Divorce Attorney
Even with a prenup and planning, managing a divorce can be complicated and messy. If you are getting ready to go through a divorce, make sure you have a divorce attorney you can trust by your side. Contact TJ Grimaldi today to see how he can help guide you through your divorce process and fight for you. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
