Vanessa Paradis To Get £100m Payout?

Johnny Depp could pay his ex-partner Vanessa Paradis as much as $156m (£100 million) in an out-of-court settlement after their recent split, it's been claimed.

According to The Sun, the actor, who announced the separation earlier this week, is likely to offer Paradis a large lump sum to ensure the split remains amicable.

Depp and Paradis were together for 14 years and have two children together - Lily-Rose, 13, and Jack, aged 10.

As the couple were never married, negotiations over financial support could prove complicated, according to Hollywood lawyer Robert Nachshin.

He told the tabloid: "If the couple had been married, Mr Depp's wife would be able to simply claim 50 per cent, child support payments and alimony.

"However, because they are not married this does not apply. The partner [Paradis] would have to file a civil suit and go to court."

According to Nachshin, the actor is likely to offer his ex a large chunk of his estimated £225m ($350m) fortune to avoid getting involved in legal wrangles, adding: "Litigation is expensive, and could run into extremely high figures. This won't be a monthly payment plan - he will make a lump sum payment as a settlement."

French singer Paradis is also expected to retain ownership of a house in Plan-de-la-Tour in southern France - leaving Deep with a mansion in the Hollywood Hills and a home in Venice, Italy.