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Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky haven’t filed for divorce quite yet. But when they do, they could be headed for a messy financial battle.
Over two years after separating, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills couple, who share three daughters, are said to have a combined net worth of $100 million. And when it comes to Mauricio’s real estate empire, which greatly increases that figure, Kyle, 56, could be awarded a large portion of the reported $57 billion that The Agency has brought in since its launch in 2011.
“The stakes are sky-high. The launch of The Agency during marriage automatically makes the business property that belongs to both partners under California state law, despite Mauricio’s lead role in its creation,” Los Angeles-based attorney Jamie E. Wright explained to The U.S. Sun on May 29.
On RHOBH, Kyle has stated that “we” started the real estate firm and noted that she “signed on the paperwork” many times at the start of the company, which Mauricio launched 15 years into their marriage. According to the attorney, that could indicate that Kyle co-owned a percentage of The Agency or had a role in its development.
“The duration of their marriage will likely cause courts to split business assets evenly. As a public figure Kyle Richards provides essential marketing value to The Agency which enhances her potential claim for ownership despite being unpaid,” the expert added.
She went on to say that it was “unusual” for couples to delay making a divorce filing due to “complex financial entanglements,” which can include shared businesses, homes, and children.
“The situation spans far beyond deciding who will possess the Aspen residence,” Jamie stated. “The divorce represents a complex matter involving real estate business empires alongside brand equity value and shared ownership of properties together with accumulated revenue from a 14 season recurring role on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. All financial elements connected to their lifestyle, from luxurious possessions to potential monetary gains, become potential bargaining chips during the divorce process.”
It was also noted by the expert that emotions can have an impact on couples’ divorces, which further complicates matters.
“Both parties must navigate this legal battle like a chess match since a single strategic mistake can result in major financial losses reaching into the tens of millions,” Jamie concluded.
While appearing on the RHOBH: After Show at the end of last year, Kyle confirmed that she wasn’t yet ready to file documents to end her marriage to Mauricio.
“At the end of the day, I have to do what feels right to me, and I did not feel ready to go do that, and I’ll know when that’s time to do that,” she shared, adding that she “[trusted]” Mauricio.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is expected to go into production on its upcoming 15th season sometime in the coming months.
