Bee Shaffer and Francesco Carrozzini End 8-Year Marriage
Bee Shaffer, daughter of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and Italian film director Francesco Carrozzini have announced their divorce after nearly 8 years of marriage, just 11 days after their final public appearance together at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5. The couple, who share a 4-year-old son and married at Anna Wintour's Long Island estate in 2018, stated they remain "the very best of friends" — a phrase that signals an uncontested divorce proceeding under New York law.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Bee Shaffer and Francesco Carrozzini announced divorce |
| When | May 2025, 11 days after Met Gala appearance |
| Marriage duration | Nearly 8 years (married July 2018) |
| Children | One son, age 4 |
| Likely jurisdiction | New York (Long Island residence) |
| Key statute | N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236 |
Why This Matters for High-Net-Worth New York Divorces
This divorce will likely proceed as an uncontested matter, which means faster resolution and sealed financial records. When couples with substantial assets and young children announce they remain "the very best of friends," they have typically already negotiated the major terms privately — a common approach among wealthy New York families seeking to avoid public scrutiny of their finances.
New York courts handle approximately 50,000 divorce filings annually, but high-profile cases like this one rarely go to trial. According to New York Unified Court System data, over 95% of divorces settle before trial, and that percentage climbs even higher among couples with resources to hire skilled matrimonial attorneys who negotiate comprehensive settlement agreements.
The timing here matters. Filing 11 days after a high-profile public appearance suggests the couple made their decision before the Met Gala and chose to present a unified front one final time. This strategic approach protects their son from media speculation and demonstrates the kind of co-parenting coordination New York courts encourage under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240.
How New York Law Handles This Type of Divorce
New York requires only one ground for no-fault divorce: an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least 6 months under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170(7). This standard, enacted in 2010, eliminated the need for couples to prove fault — making amicable separations like this one procedurally straightforward.
For property division, New York follows equitable distribution under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B). This does not mean 50/50. Instead, courts consider 14 statutory factors including:
- Duration of the marriage (8 years qualifies as medium-term)
- Income and property at time of marriage versus now
- Age and health of both parties
- Custodial parent's need to occupy the marital residence
- Loss of inheritance or pension rights
- Any award of maintenance (spousal support)
Both Shaffer and Carrozzini brought significant family wealth and independent careers to this marriage. Shaffer serves as Artistic Director of Anna Wintour's charitable foundation and previously worked at the New Yorker. Carrozzini directs films and documentaries, including work for major fashion houses. This dual-income, dual-asset structure typically leads to each spouse retaining their separate property while dividing only marital assets acquired during the 8-year marriage.
Child Custody Under New York's Best Interests Standard
With a 4-year-old son, custody arrangements become the central focus. New York determines custody based solely on the child's best interests under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240. Courts evaluate 10 primary factors:
- Quality of each parent's home environment
- Each parent's ability to provide for emotional and intellectual development
- Each parent's mental and physical health
- Work schedules and availability
- Child's existing relationship with each parent
- Willingness to foster relationship with the other parent
- Any history of domestic violence
- Child's preference (given minimal weight at age 4)
- Stability of proposed living arrangements
- Geographic proximity of the parents
The "very best of friends" language strongly suggests joint legal custody with a negotiated parenting time schedule. For families with international ties — Carrozzini maintains connections to Italy — courts often approve detailed parenting plans that address international travel, passport possession, and communication protocols.
Practical Takeaways for New York Residents Considering Divorce
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Amicable announcements often mean settlement is already reached. Couples who publicly state they remain friends have typically completed mediation or collaborative divorce negotiations before filing.
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New York's 6-month irretrievable breakdown requirement means no waiting period beyond that threshold. If both parties agree the marriage has been broken for 6 months, they can file immediately.
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High-net-worth divorces in New York routinely seal financial documents. Under 22 NYCRR § 216.1, parties can request sealing of financial disclosure statements to protect business interests and privacy.
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Child custody in New York focuses entirely on the child's wellbeing, not parental preferences or "fairness." Courts will approve any reasonable parenting plan both parents accept.
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Separate property brought into a marriage generally remains separate under New York law. Inheritances, gifts, and pre-marital assets typically stay with the original owner unless commingled with marital funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an uncontested divorce take in New York?
An uncontested divorce in New York typically finalizes within 3-6 months from filing. Once both parties sign a settlement agreement and submit required paperwork to the court, a judge reviews and signs the judgment. Cases with children require additional documentation under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240, which may add 2-4 weeks to processing.
Does New York require separation before divorce?
No, New York does not require physical separation before filing for divorce. Under the 2010 no-fault law, either spouse can file based on an irretrievable breakdown lasting 6 months — this can occur while still living together. However, if using the 1-year separation ground under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170(6), couples must live apart for 12 consecutive months.
How does New York divide assets in a divorce?
New York uses equitable distribution, not community property. Courts divide marital assets (property acquired during marriage) fairly but not necessarily equally. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5), judges consider 14 factors including marriage length, each spouse's income, and contributions to marital property. Separate property — inheritances, gifts, pre-marital assets — generally stays with the original owner.
What custody arrangement is most common in New York?
Joint legal custody with one parent having primary physical residence is the most common arrangement in New York. Courts award sole custody only when one parent poses a risk to the child. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240, the standard is the child's best interests — not equal time with each parent. Most negotiated agreements include specific parenting schedules, holiday rotations, and decision-making protocols.
Can high-profile divorces in New York keep financial details private?
Yes, New York courts routinely seal financial documents in high-net-worth divorces. Under 22 NYCRR § 216.1, parties can request confidentiality orders protecting business valuations, income statements, and asset inventories. The final divorce judgment becomes public record, but detailed financial schedules remain sealed. Approximately 80% of celebrity divorces in New York successfully obtain sealing orders.
If you are considering divorce in New York and want to understand your options, speaking with a qualified family law attorney can help you make informed decisions about your specific situation.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.