Richard Hammond's wife's divorce demands 'unlikely' despite star's staggering fortune

Richard Hammond announced his split from wife Mindy (Image: GETTY)

Richard Hammond announced his shock split from wife Mindy Hammond in a statement released on Thursday (January 9).

The former Top Gear star reportedly fought to save the marriage, but has since moved out of the family home. His considerable wealth has now been thrust into the spotlight thanks to his shock split from Mindy after 23 years of marriage.

It is thought that she would like to keep their luxury Herefordshire estate, known as Bollitree Castle, as part of the divorce settlement.

Expert Kelly Edwards, the Managing Partner at Edwards Family Law - who specialises in family law, and high net-worth divorces - has addressed how the couple's financial matters could be divided in any future divorce proceedings.

She told Express Online: "After a long marriage and two children, it is most likely the parties will divide all their assets equally.

Richard Hammond has amassed a huge fortune from his TV and business ventures (Image: Getty)

"The question of whether Mindy will be able to keep the castle really depends on what other assets (property, investments, companies) they have and whether there is enough elsewhere for Richard to receive the same from other sources.

"If not, I think it unlikely she would be able to keep the house on the basis of her needs (the question the court would ask) given the size and grandeur of the property and the fact their children are technically adults."

The couple's separation has sparked speculation over how their fortune will be divided, with reports suggesting Mindy, 59, could keep the castle while Richard keeps the London flat and a home in the Lake District.

He reportedly has a staggering net worth of £37million thanks to the success of his TV career and business ventures.

Richard and Mindy have been married for 23 years (Image: Getty)

He has splashed out on a fleet of luxury cars, exotic holidays, and stunning properties, including a £7million castle in Herefordshire.

Richard's success has cemented his place as one of TV's wealthiest petrolheads.

The couple, who married in 2002 share two daughters together, Isabella and Willow.