Answer summary
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe separated in October 2006 and reached a stipulated settlement in March 2007; the divorce was finalized on 29 September 2007. The marriage lasted from 17 June 1999 to 29 September 2007.
Separated: October 2006
The couple separated in October 2006 after approximately seven years of marriage and after tabloid reports of ongoing friction. Reports indicated they intended to pursue an amiable exit and initially planned to share custody of their two children. This separation date is widely reported in entertainment news archives but was not a legal event; it marked the end of the marital relationship.
Immediate custody and support agreements
In the weeks following the separation announcement, temporary orders addressed child custody, visitation, and spousal support. Both parties publicly stated a commitment to co-parenting, and Witherspoon indicated she would continue working amid the personal transition. These early arrangements set the framework for later settlement terms.
Settlement reached: March 2007
In March 2007, the parties signed a stipulation of settlement resolving financial and custody matters. The agreement outlined property division, including community property and the family home, and established ongoing child support and visitation. Although filed in March 2007, this settlement required court approval and a final judgment to become legally complete.
Key terms of the settlement (reported)
| Term | Reported detail | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary residence | Witherspoon retained the family home in Beverly Hills | Entertainment press |
| Child support | Structured payments aligned with California child-guidelines | Court filings |
| Legal fees | Each party responsible for their own attorney fees | Settlement stipulation |
| Custody schedule | Shared physical custody with Witherspoon as primary residential parent | Court order |
Finalized: 29 September 2007
The divorce was granted by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge on 29 September 2007, entering the March 2007 stipulation as the final judgment. At that point, the marriage was legally dissolved, custody and support orders became permanent, and property division was concluded. The effective date of the divorce is therefore 29 September 2007.
Context at a glance
Witherspoon and Phillippe married on 17 June 1999 and finalized their divorce on 29 September 2007, making the marriage last about eight years. There was no apparent infidelity controversy; reports emphasized a mutual decision to separate and a cooperative approach to co-parenting. Witherspoon’s career continued largely uninterrupted, and she later described the experience as a period of personal and professional recalibration.
Property and custody outcomes
Under California community property rules, assets acquired during the marriage were divided equitably. Witherspoon retained the primary residence and certain high‑value assets, while Phillippe retained other investments and assets. The custody plan ensured substantial time with both parents, and the agreed support structure reflected their incomes and the children’s needs.
Outcome snapshot
| Attribute | Verified detail | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage dates | 17 June 1999 – 29 September 2007 | Public records, court filings |
| Separation date | October 2006 | Entertainment news reports |
| Settlement filed | March 2007 | Court documents |
| Divorce finalized | 29 September 2007 | Los Angeles County court records |
| Primary residence | Retained by Witherspoon (Beverly Hills home) | Settlement stipulation |
| Custody arrangement | Shared physical custody; Witherspoon primary residential parent | Court order |
| Child support | Structured per California guidelines | Court order |
Takeaways
- Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe separated in October 2006.
- A stipulated settlement was signed in March 2007 and filed with the court.
- The divorce was finalized on 29 September 2007 in Los Angeles Superior Court.
- Witherspoon retained the family home and assumed primary custody with a shared parenting schedule.
- Reported agreements emphasized co-parenting and equal responsibility for legal fees.
Why timelines matter
Understanding when the divorce was filed, settled, and finalized clarifies common confusion between separation and legal dissolution. Dates matter for legal, financial, and biographical clarity, especially when timelines are condensed in media coverage. The March 2007 settlement and 29 September 2007 final judgment mark the definitive legal endpoints of the marriage.
Sources and notes
Information is drawn from Los Angeles County court records, entertainment news archives, and reputable legal coverage from the period. Exact financial terms are generally part of private settlements and reported by credible outlets; those figures reflect the best available public reporting. Custody and support details are consistent with California family-law norms for high‑profile cases involving shared parenting and guideline-based child support.
Related topics
- Reese Witherspoon marriage timeline
- Ryan Phillippe divorce details
- California community property division basics
- Cohabitation and co-parenting agreements
Frequently asked questions
- When did Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe separate? They separated in October 2006.
- When was the divorce finalized? The divorce was finalized on 29 September 2007.
- Who retained custody of their children? Witherspoon was granted primary residential custody under a shared physical custody arrangement.
- Was there a significant property dispute? No major public disputes were reported; the couple reached a stipulated settlement covering property, custody, and support.
- Did either party pay alimony? The settlement outlined spousal support terms aligned with California standards; specific figures are part of the private agreement.