Divorce solicitors are on standby as representatives for pop star Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie confirm that the couple are to divorce.

Madonna's wealth is believed to stand at £300m, making her one of the world's richest women. Ritchie has an independent fortune including a £10m Wiltshire estate.

Press speculation as to how much Ritchie could win in a divorce settlement has ranged from £50m to £150m. Such a claim would be based on their 10-year relationship, his support of her career and the fact that they have two children together.

A number of divorce solicitors are said to have been approached to represent the couple. There had already been reports that earlier in the year Madonna had approached divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton who infamously had a glass of water thrown over her by Heather Mills when Shackleton represented Sir Paul McCartney in the couple's courtroom wrangle.

Madonna was also said to have spoken to Nicholas Mostyn QC who represented Mills, while Ritchie was rumoured to have been in talks with Mayfair-based divorce solicitors Forsters.