Russell Brand, Katie Perry Divorce Could Lead to $20 Million Settlement

The couple decided not to sign a pre-nuptial agreement prior to their marriage. California law states that a couple must split their earnings in half if no pre-nup exists. This could work in Brand's favor, as Perry's net worth is estimated at over $40 million.

Russell Brand may be entitled to a $20 million dollar payout from Katy Perry because California is a community property state. "Community property" essentially is everything a husband and wife own together. This typically includes all money earned, debts incurred, and property acquired during the marriage and in some cases or states while the parties were living together.

In Community Property states like California, community property laws are followed in divorce court, and assets are split 50/50. By way of comparison, Minnesota is an equitable distribution state.

"The main difference between community property and equitable distribution is that in community property states there is an absolute 50-50 split of all property acquired during the marriage," says MN Divorce Attorney, Katie Lammers. "In equitable distribution states, more assets may be considered marital property, but the split is not necessarily 50-50. In equitable distribution states, the court attempts to distribute the property in a manner that is fair and just. This doesn't necessarily mean that the property is distributed equally, only that it is done in a way that is fair. Given the short duration of their marriage, if the Brand/Perry divorce was venued in Minnesota, the outcome may be very different for Mr. Brand."

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