Mel GibsonMel Gibson’s wife Robyn may be entitled to a $450million payout after filing for divorce from the actor yesterday.

The documents were filed at Los Angeles County Superior Court yesterday morning with Robyn citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for her split from her husband of 28 years. Mel later submitted a formal response to the papers, suggesting the couple actually separated in August 2006, shortly after his infamous DUI.

In the divorce papers, Robyn is seeking spousal support and legal fee payment from Mel, who is estimated to have a personal fortune of around $900million. However under Californian law, Robyn is entitled to half of the “community property”, which includes earnings, as there was no prenuptial agreement before their union in 1980.

The couple have seven children together, although only one of them is currently still classed as a minor - ten year old Tom - and Robyn has requested joint physical and legal custody of the boy.

After the court papers came to light, the couple confirmed their split yesterday, saying: “Throughout our marriage and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so.”

A source close to the couple added: “They’ll do this amicably. There’s a lot of mutual respect and they’ve worked hard on their marriage and worked hard on their separation.

“They’ll handle the divorce in the same respectful way.”