After much speculation and tabloid headlines, Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen have officially announced their divorce in separate posts on their respective Instagram accounts. However, one divorce lawyer sees these two's move as "smart," giving them the privacy they want.
Brady and Bündchen have delayed the filing for their divorce, only holding it last week after a couple of months since the rumors began. So, why did the now-ex-couple decide to do it late?
The former power couple filed the paperwork in a Florida court last week and confirmed their separation in separate statements on Friday, October 28. Divorce lawyer Jacqueline Newman, who didn't work with either of the two parties, then told Page Six they opted to settle this issue behind closed doors without letting anyone in.
She explained this move was very common and the "smarter way to do things." She added that having a public divorce would only affect a celebrity's image.
Newman further elaborated that aside from their separation, they were also negotiating with custody and finance issues. They, too, had to be very careful of their public image, especially if they were considered "very valuable."
"It's just smarter not to put anything out there until you're done and the ink is dried," she stated.
Brady and Bündchen tied the knot in 2009 and have two kids, Benjamin, 12, and Vivian, 9. The footballer also has a 15-year-old son, Jack, with his ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan.
In the court documents obtained by Page Six, the former pair took a "family stabilization" course before officially divorcing because their marriage was said to be "irretrievably broken." The quarterback finished the four-hour course on October 25, while the Victoria's Secret Angel completed it on October 26.
The records also showed they have both agreed on a "marital settlement agreement," which will remain confidential. From there, Brady and Bündchen officially ended their 13 years of marriage.
Meanwhile, in separate statements, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star said they had come out with the decision to divorce amicably and with gratitude for the time they spent together. They both decided to end their marriage after "much consideration."
He then admitted that doing so was painful and difficult, just like it was for many people who were going through the same situation around the world. Despite that, he wished nothing but the best for each other as they pursued new chapters in their lives.
Alternatively, the Brazilian beauty revealed they had grown apart but still felt blessed for their time together. She also wished the best for her now ex-husband.
Brady and Bündchen will continue co-parenting their kids and giving them the "love, care, and attention they greatly deserve."
