Friday, 27 June 2008

Bill Murray divorce finalised

Actor's wife gets 2 houses and primary custody of their kids

Bill Murray and Jennifer Butler in happier times

A month after his wife sued him for divorce in a shocking filing alleging abuse and infidelity, Bill Murray and Jennifer Butler Murray have worked out an agreement to end their marriage.

According to court documents dated June 13 and obtained by TMZ.com, Butler Murray, 42, has been granted primary custody of their four children and will keep the couple's homes in Hemet, Calif. and Sullivan's Island, S.C. Bill Murray, 57, must pay child support and will keep other property in California, New York and Massachusetts.

Bill Murray must also pay Jennifer a lump sum. The Murrays signed a prenuptial agreement in which Bill would pay his wife $7 million in a divorce, and, according to court documents, it is still valid.

In May, Butler Murray filed for divorce on the grounds of drug addiction, physical abuse, adultery and abandonment. She also requested a restraining order against her husband.

According to Butler Murray, she felt forced to move with their children to a new home as a result of the actor's alcohol, marijuana and sex addictions, among other reasons. According to a newspaper report, the filing said that Murray once "hit his wife in the face and then told her she was 'lucky he didn't kill her."

At the time, the actor's lawyer, John McDougall, said only: "I can say that Bill Murray is deeply saddened by the break-up of his marriage to Jennifer. They remain loving parents, committed to the best interest of their children."

By Lesley Messer