Jessica and Nick Settle Money Dispute

Posted Sep 5th 2006 4:55PM by Harvey Levin

Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey TMZ has learned that Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey have divided up the assets in their marriage, and Nick agreed to less than his share in order to avoid an ugly court fight.

The couple amassed a fortune during their three-year marriage, in no small part because of their MTV reality show "Newlyweds" and the avalanche of endorsements and other deals that followed. Jessica refused to sign a prenuptial agreement, so under California law the assets -- estimated at $36 million -- are to be divided equally. So Jessica and Nick should each get $18.

Nick will take significantly more than the $1.5 million, but considerably less than 50%

As TMZ first reported, Jessica (we're told at the behest of her dad, Joe Simpson) offered Nick a relatively measly $1.5 million to walk away from the marriage. Sources say Joe Simpson believed Nick didn't have the stomach to put up a fight over money. Nevertheless, Nick rejected the offer and the former sweethearts decided to make their divorce final and try to hammer out a property settlement.

Sources say in the property settlement -- which has not yet been filed in court -- Nick will take significantly more than the $1.5 million, but considerably less than 50% of what he and Jessica earned during the marriage. Two sources in Nick's camp made it clear to TMZ that Lachey agreed to end the dispute because he does not want to hurt anyone in a contentious court battle.

Ironically last week, a reporter on a red carpet relayed a message from Joe and Jessica Simpson to Nick: "They love you. You're still part of the family." Nick blanched and said "Well, good, that's nice to hear...." The reporter persisted "...Jessica will always love you." Nick's classic reply: "Okay, then!"

Filed under: Break-Ups, Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpson, H-Wood

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46. Nick is sad. Jessica is crying. Who wants to bet that they will back together by Christmas. They were together for years, for a reason. They need each other to survive.

Posted at 2:31AM on Sep 6th 2006 by joyce

47. Wow - I mean I thought Nick was hot looking but I had no idea how deep his beauty ran. Jessica is so desperate to be a "star" of course at the behest of her perverted and controlling father. Clearly Nick knows that Money can never truly buy class so why not let her have the bigger share - she will need a lot more than money to find happiness now. One day - if she is able to think independently from her creepy father - she will realize what a mistake she made - and that she sold her soul for vanity's sake. That is bullsh*t that they are Christian - they are Hedonists - and self-serving and vain.... Nothing that I know God endorses.
I feel sorry for her in a way though - because she is just too stupid to notice she is going to go nowhere fast - and Nick - will be the better off one in the end. He had my lust before - but now he has my true respect. I wish I could actually meet a guy like you!!! I can't believe he really exists.

Posted at 3:05AM on Sep 6th 2006 by Karen

48. Nick ought to really bum Jess out and do a cool song with Ashlee.. Um, Ashlee is in a rebellious streak right now and this would be a good time to ask her?.. hee hee

Posted at 3:41AM on Sep 6th 2006 by dmumsie

49. I love Nick. I never thought he was going to take her money; that was just his attorney talking and it's a very common procedure for attorneys to go after the amount of money they feel their client is owed. Nick is too classy and too mature to let this play out in court and now he can get on with his life and let her marinate on all the foolish decisions she made during and post-marriage. Way to go, Nick.

Posted at 9:02AM on Sep 6th 2006 by Jane

50. Nick you will still be making money in the future. My wife loves you. But Jessica, once her looks are gone and she has done Playboy thats it for her. If her Dad doesnt ruin her first.

Posted at 9:14AM on Sep 6th 2006 by SteveP

51. Jessica and her father really got over on nick, i don't think he even got a third of what he had coming, But in my opinion she will fade away sooner than later, and i tilt my hat to Nick because he has been a class act since the seperation, I won't be buying anymore simpson produced music as a token to Nick because i feel he was wronged.
Nick if you read this, f--- that bimbo. She's yesterdays news.

Posted at 9:35AM on Sep 6th 2006 by me

52. I am pleased that Nick Lachey is taking the high road from Jessica Simpson and her dad Joe. Seriously, Joe never liked Nick and it's more of this attitude of "Stay away from my daughter." He didn't want Nick to have any of Jessica's money if it went to a higher court. They just didn't want it plastered all over Court TV, Nancy Grace and other media outlets. I have yet to find out if Jessica's album sold as well as Nick's its first week to see who had the best revenge. And Nick should have gotten half of the $36 million, not 50%. I think that Jessica and Joe are so greed driven and didn't want Nick to have anything.
And I commend Nick for not saying anything about Jessica in interviews. I wish some interviewers would put that aside and focus on their latest music and projects. It's really none of our business.

Posted at 9:43AM on Sep 6th 2006 by Preston

53. Nick did not want his cheating to be public...that is the only reason he settled.

Posted at 9:53AM on Sep 6th 2006 by Deede

54. he doesn't need her or their money. he is doing just fine on his own. screw her.

Posted at 10:01AM on Sep 6th 2006 by nikki

55. Nick did the right thing. In the next year maybe two, Jessica will realize that her father was the reason for that break up, and that she was stupid for going along with that, i'm sure that her mother realizes it. She will never find be able to find anyone as good to her as Nick was. What a dumb *** she is.

Posted at 10:03AM on Sep 6th 2006 by kim

56. Nick should 've gotten under California law his share. 3 years of marriage and now he walks away with not even half. Nick you are a true gentleman. You really have turned out to be a class act. I'm so glad that you're moving on. I wish you all the best in life.

Posted at 10:06AM on Sep 6th 2006 by Shan

57. Jessica's Dad needs the money bad. He financed Jess's movie that's set to come out in October, the one she was trying to promote on teen choice, which will probably go straight to the video store 99 cent bin.

Posted at 10:08AM on Sep 6th 2006 by D&G

58. Jessica needs to depart from Dad and do so quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if he was behind the whole divorce.

Posted at 10:08AM on Sep 6th 2006 by Renae

59. I wish the Jessica and Ashley would just go away! It seems like her nose couldnt stay any longer.

Posted at 10:09AM on Sep 6th 2006 by Keith

60. I definitely think that Nick took the high road.
I'm surprised at the couple of people who said he was "riding her coattails"....when they married she was a much-less-popular version of Britney and he had a moderate amount of success with 98 degrees. It was the show that gave them both the exposure they have today; it wasn't like he was an unknown who married a huge star! I used to think her vanity and "airheadness" were mildy charming because she seemed like a good person underneath. Now I think she is superficial and midly repulsive!
So far, he is having more success with his cd than she is with hers........ I think her movie will flop (who wants to pay to see MORE of her when she is so overexposed as it is????)

Posted at 10:43AM on Sep 6th 2006 by sasha4485

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