Hayden Panettiere's Mom Files for Divorce

Hayden Panettiere's mother has filed for divorce ... 3 years after her husband pled no contest to battering her.

Lesley Panettiere cited irreconcilable differences in her divorce petition, filed in L.A. County Superior Court.

The couple made headlines in August, 2008, after Alan was charged for striking Lesley in the face. He pled no contest to misdemeanor battery and was placed on 24 months probation.

Here's what's interesting ... Lesley lists the date of separation as July 15, 2008, which is a month prior to the incident that led to his battery conviction.

Lesley is asking for spousal support.