Bill & Melinda Gates Announce Split After 27 Years — How Much Money Is at Stake?

It’s over between Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, 65, and his wife Melinda, 56 — the couple is splitting after 27 years of marriage.

They announced the news on Twitter, writing, “After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage. Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives. We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives. We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.”

There is a lot at stake in the divorce; Forbes reports Bill is worth $130 billion!

In the divorce docs, obtained by “Extra,” Melinda says the marriage is irretrievably broken. She is not asking for spousal support.

When asked in the docs if there are any written documents such as a prenup, separation contract, or community property agreement, the docs state, “Yes... a separation contract.”

This points to the likelihood that they do not have a prenup. The paperwork indicates, however, that they already have a plan to divide up their real property, personal property and debt in the separation contract. Their exact date of separation is unknown.

The exes have asked for an April 2022 trial date should they need to go to court.

Bill and Melinda started dating in 1987 and wed on January 1, 1994, in Hawaii. They are the parents of Jennifer, 25, Rory, 21, and Phoebe, 18.