Richard Hammond, the former *Top Gear* star, has shocked fans

and the public with his announcement of a split from his wife, Mindy Hammond, after 23 years of marriage.

The couple, who share two daughters, Isabella and Willow, have reportedly faced significant tension in their relationship, culminating in Mindy allegedly expressing a desire for her husband to “leave.”

Hammond, 54, is said to have tried to save the marriage, but has now moved out of the family home,

and their separation has put their considerable wealth and assets under intense scrutiny.

The news of their divorce has raised many questions, particularly regarding how the couple’s substantial fortune will be divided.

Over the years, Hammond has amassed a substantial wealth, with his television career and various business ventures propelling him to an estimated net worth of £37 million. His investments in properties, luxury cars, and exotic holidays are well known, with one of the most significant assets being Bollitree Castle, the couple’s lavish home in Herefordshire.

Reports suggest that Mindy, 59, might seek to keep the castle as part of the divorce settlement. Given the grandeur and value of the property, which has long been the couple’s primary residence, there is much speculation about how it will be split between the two. Kelly Edwards, the Managing Partner at Edwards Family Law, who specializes in high-net-worth divorces, has weighed in on how the financial matters are likely to be handled in the divorce proceedings. According to Edwards, the long duration of the marriage and the presence of two children suggests that the couple’s assets will likely be divided equally.

In a statement to *Express Online*, Edwards explained that the key issue surrounding the divorce will be whether Mindy will be able to retain the castle, especially since it is such a large and valuable estate. “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,” Edwards said. She added, however, that given the significant size of the property and the fact that their children are now adults, it is unlikely that the court would favor Mindy in keeping the estate based solely on her needs.

While it is not clear how the couple’s assets will ultimately be divided, speculation points to the possibility that Mindy could keep Bollitree Castle, while Richard holds onto other properties, including their London flat and a home in the Lake District. Given the couple’s wealth, it is expected that both parties will walk away with significant financial assets.

Richard’s wealth is primarily a result of his long and successful career in television. He made his name as a presenter on the BBC’s *Top Gear*, where his love for cars and high-octane challenges made him a household name. Since leaving the show, Hammond has continued to build his fortune through a range of business ventures, including work as an author, producer, and host of the popular Amazon Prime series *The Grand Tour*. His passion for cars has also led him to acquire a fleet of luxury vehicles, cementing his place as one of television’s wealthiest petrolheads.

As for the couple’s personal lives, the breakup comes after years of marriage, with both Richard and Mindy maintaining a relatively private life outside of the public spotlight. However, their separation has inevitably brought the public’s attention to their financial matters, particularly the division of assets. With reports suggesting that the divorce will be handled with a focus on fairness and the needs of both parties, it is likely that any resolution will involve a substantial financial settlement.

While the details of the divorce remain under wraps, the news of Richard and Mindy’s split marks the end of a long chapter for the couple, and it remains to be seen how the division of their wealth and properties will unfold in the coming months. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that both Richard and Mindy Hammond have the resources to ensure their future stability, with the family estate and their personal fortunes expected to play a significant role in the final settlement. As this high-profile divorce moves forward, fans and the public will undoubtedly be watching to see how the financial and emotional aspects of their split are handled.