Madonna granted "quickie" divorce

By Mike Collett-White

LONDON (Reuters) - Madonna and Guy Ritchie ended eight years of marriage in a few minutes Friday when a court granted them a "quickie" divorce.

Neither Madonna, 50, nor film director Ritchie, 40, were in court for the hearing, according to the Press Association. It was listed Thursday under the names Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S.

A sworn statement released by the court showed Madonna petitioned for divorce on the grounds of Ritchie's unreasonable behaviour and she said the behaviour was continuing.

In another court document, district judge Philip Waller said he was happy the court did not need to exercise its powers under the Children Act nor give directions under the Matrimonial Causes Act.

Family lawyers said the document did not necessarily mean the terms of the divorce had been finalised, just that the court was happy with arrangements as they stood now.

The couple announced the split last month, nearly eight years after their fairytale wedding at Skibo Castle in Scotland.

Details of the terms of the divorce have not been made public, although several newspapers said Ritchie would not be seeking a share of Madonna's money. A source close to the singer said the deal was not as straightforward as reports suggest.

Their combined wealth has been estimated at around $525 million (350 million pounds), but Madonna accounts for the bulk of it.