Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and wife reach divorce agreement

Some Georgia residents may be aware that the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, is getting a divorce. The richest person in the world, Bezos is giving his wife 4 percent of the company stock. Their current value at around $35 billion makes her the world’s third-richest woman. If the settlement goes through as planned, it will be the largest one in history.

Other high-asset divorces with significant settlements include that of Bill and Susan Gross, in which she received a settlement worth $1.3 billion, and Steve and Elaine Wynn, in which her settlement was $850 million. Bezos will continue to have voting rights over the shares given to his wife. If she transfers them, he will retain those rights, but if she donates them to qualifying nonprofits or sells them on the open market, this will no longer be the case.

On social media, the couple have stressed the amicable nature of their split after a 25-year marriage. This has been the case despite tabloid gossip about messages exchanged between Bezos and his new partner. Although the couple announced the end of their marriage in January, the divorce petition was filed on April 4. The decree should be issued in July.

A divorce between business owners can present some difficulties. Even if the couple has a prenuptial agreement, it may be challenged if one of the parties was coerced into signing it or did not have sufficient legal counsel. In order to divide the business, it must first be valuated. This may be a complex and time-consuming process.