mel gibson divorce

Sources tell us there is no prenuptial agreement -- they were married in 1980, before Mel Gibson amassed a fortune estimated at $900 million back in 2006. Under the laws of California, community property -- which includes earnings -- is divided 50/50.

The Gibsons have 7 children, but only one -- Tom, who turns 10 tomorrow -- is a minor. In Robyn's legal papers, filed this morning in L.A. County Superior Court, she seeks joint physical and legal custody of Tom.

Robyn is also asking for spousal support and attorneys fees.

Robyn lists the date of separation as "to be determined." This is important, because earnings generally cease to be community property when the couple separates. There could be a skirmish over this. We're told the couple grew increasingly apart over the last few years, especially since Mel's drunk driving arrest in 2006.

There have been reports that Mel has been involved with another woman, which the actor denies, but we're told the reasons for the divorce go beyond any third party.

Launch PhotosIf there is a fight, Robyn is in good hands -- she's repped by disso-queen Laura Wasser, who has handled divorces for the likes of Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears and Stevie Wonder.

Mel Gibson fires back at Robyn Moore's divorce papers

It didn't take long for Mel Gibson to fire back with his own divorce papers.

Gibson cited irreconcilable differences, in papers filed just hours after Robyn Moore filed hers, according to TMZ.

His publicist, Alan Neirob, has released this statement to the press on behalf of the couple.

"Throughout our marriage and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so."

Gibson, unlike his wife, gives a very specific date of separation — Aug. 26, 2006.

Mel's infamous DUI arrest after being at a local Malibu bar, chatting up the ladies (and his subsequent anti-Semitic rant to a cop) was less than a month earlier, on July 28, 2006.

Was that the public humiliation straw that broke the patient camel wife's back?

Insiders have long noted that Robyn and Mel grew further apart after the arrest.

Does the date Gibson lists for separation confirm this?

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