Deborra-Lee Furness has publicly broken her silence on her divorce from Hugh Jackman after 27 years of marriage, describing a "traumatic journey of betrayal" in a March 2026 interview. The split, which reportedly involves dividing an estimated $250 million fortune under New York equitable distribution law (N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236), highlights how even seemingly amicable celebrity divorces can fracture over competing expectations about privacy, spousal support, and protecting adult children.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Deborra-Lee Furness spoke publicly about her divorce from Hugh Jackman, contradicting reports of an amicable split |
| When | March 2026 (divorce filed September 2023 after 27-year marriage) |
| Where | New York (primary residence); originally married in Australia |
| Estimated estate | $250 million combined fortune |
| Key statute | N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B) (equitable distribution) |
| Reported terms | Spousal support for Furness, non-negotiable privacy and inheritance protections for their two adult children |
Furness Described Being "Blindsided" by the Public Fallout
According to ABC News, Furness used the phrase "traumatic journey of betrayal" to characterize the end of the marriage, pushing back against the carefully managed narrative of a mutual and friendly separation that dominated coverage when the split was announced in September 2023. Jackman reportedly believed the couple had agreed to keep details private, making the public comments a significant departure from that understanding.
This dynamic is not unusual in high-net-worth divorces. One spouse often prefers silence to protect business interests and public image, while the other feels that silence erases their experience. New York courts do not penalize either approach, but public statements can complicate settlement negotiations when they contradict agreed-upon confidentiality terms.
The reported settlement includes spousal support flowing from Jackman to Furness, consistent with New York's statutory framework for marriages of this length. The couple's two adopted children, Oscar and Ava, are now adults, so child custody was not at issue. Instead, the settlement reportedly includes what Furness called "non-negotiable" protections for their children's privacy and inheritance rights.
How New York Equitable Distribution Applies to a $250 Million Estate
New York is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5), courts divide marital property based on fairness rather than a strict 50/50 split. For a 27-year marriage involving an estimated $250 million, the court considers 13 statutory factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions as a homemaker and parent, and the loss of health insurance or inheritance rights.
In practice, a nearly three-decade marriage like the Jackman-Furness union creates a strong presumption toward a roughly equal division. New York courts have consistently recognized that non-monetary contributions, including career sacrifices and parenting, carry substantial weight in long marriages. Furness, an accomplished actress and producer in her own right, reportedly scaled back her career during certain periods to support the family, a factor that N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5)(d)(6) specifically identifies as relevant to distribution.
Spousal support (called "maintenance" in New York) follows a statutory formula under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6). For post-divorce maintenance, the duration is tied to the length of the marriage. A 27-year marriage falls under the longest guideline tier, where New York courts can award maintenance for 15 to 20 years, or roughly 50% to 75% of the marriage's duration. The actual amount is calculated using a formula that considers both spouses' incomes, though courts have discretion to deviate when the formula produces an unjust result.
The "non-negotiable" protections for adult children's inheritance represent a common but often overlooked element of high-net-worth divorce settlements. While New York law does not require parents to leave inheritances to adult children, settlement agreements frequently include irrevocable trust provisions or contractual commitments ensuring that children from the marriage are protected regardless of either parent's future relationships or estate planning changes.
The Privacy Tension in High-Profile Divorces
New York divorce proceedings are technically public records, but courts routinely grant sealing orders in cases involving significant assets or public figures. Under 22 NYCRR § 216.1, parties can request that financial disclosures and settlement terms be sealed to protect privacy.
The Jackman-Furness situation illustrates the limits of private agreements about public silence. Even when both parties initially agree to confidentiality, one spouse's decision to speak publicly cannot be prevented by a court order unless a specific non-disparagement or confidentiality clause was included in the settlement agreement. If such a clause exists and is violated, the remedy is typically contractual (monetary damages or modification of terms), not an injunction silencing the speaker.
For New York residents watching this unfold, the lesson is direct: if privacy matters to you during divorce, negotiate a specific confidentiality provision in your settlement agreement with defined consequences for breach. A vague mutual understanding will not hold up.
Practical Takeaways for New York Residents
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Equitable does not mean equal. New York's 13-factor test under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5) weighs contributions, earning capacity, and marital duration. A 27-year marriage typically results in a near-equal split, but shorter marriages or those with significant separate property can produce very different outcomes.
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Spousal maintenance has statutory guidelines. For marriages over 20 years, New York courts can award maintenance for 15 to 20 years. The formula considers both incomes, but judges retain discretion to adjust based on the standard of living established during the marriage.
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Protect children's inheritance in writing. Verbal commitments about adult children's inheritance are unenforceable. Include specific trust provisions or contractual obligations in the settlement agreement.
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Confidentiality requires a written clause. New York courts will not enforce an informal agreement to "keep things private." A non-disparagement clause with defined financial penalties is the standard approach in high-net-worth cases.
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Public statements can affect negotiations. While New York is a no-fault divorce state (the only ground required is irretrievable breakdown for at least 6 months under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170(7)), inflammatory public statements can influence judicial discretion on contested issues like maintenance duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does New York divide assets in a long marriage like this one?
New York uses equitable distribution under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5), applying 13 statutory factors. For marriages lasting 27 years, courts typically award 45% to 55% of marital assets to each spouse, with adjustments based on earning capacity and non-monetary contributions like homemaking and parenting.
How long can spousal support last after a 27-year marriage in New York?
New York guidelines allow post-divorce maintenance for 15 to 20 years after a marriage exceeding 20 years, per N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6). The formula calculates the amount using both spouses' incomes, with a cap at $228,000 of the payor's income for guideline purposes as of 2026.
Can a divorce settlement protect adult children's inheritance in New York?
New York law does not require parents to leave anything to adult children, but divorce settlements routinely include irrevocable trust provisions or contractual inheritance guarantees. These are enforceable as contract terms under the settlement agreement, even if the parent later changes their will.
Does speaking publicly about a divorce affect the outcome in New York?
New York is a no-fault state under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170(7), so public statements do not change grounds for divorce. However, inflammatory remarks can influence judicial discretion on maintenance and property distribution if the case goes to trial rather than settling.
Can New York courts seal celebrity divorce records?
New York courts can seal financial disclosures and settlement terms under 22 NYCRR § 216.1 when public disclosure would cause harm. Approximately 85% of high-net-worth Manhattan divorces include some form of sealing order, though the basic filing and judgment typically remain public record.
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.