Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes Settle Divorce in Record Time

The TomKat divorce had all the makings of a long and acrimonious dissolution, but was settled in record time because of a rock-solid prenuptial, with Katie getting primary custody of Suri.

Holmes and Cruise, along with their divorce attorneys, spent last weekend hashing out the details of their split, which will remain confidential since the settlement was reached out of court.  They announced that a settlement was reached on Monday

Holmes was granted primary custody of their 6 year-old daughter Suri, with Cruise having visitation rights. Numerous sources have said that Holmes was trying to shield Suri from the Church of Scientology of which Cruise is a prominent member, and the speedy settlement will keep the Church from enduring negative public scrutiny.

An anonymous source close to the matter revealed that Holmes will be allowed to make decisions about Suri’s education and upbringing.

In a joint statement the couple said, “We want to keep matters affecting our family private and express our respect for each other’s commitment to each of our respective beliefs and support each other’s roles as parents.”

One important aspect that made the divorce proceeding so swift was an ironclad prenuptial agreement. High-profile couples often have divorce lawyers draw up prenuptials in order to protect their assets and avert lengthy court battles. Although these agreements can be contested, most courts recognize them as valid and they are often upheld.

At the center of most acrimonious divorces is the issue of child custody and support with both parents fighting to be the primary caregiver. But with an accomplished divorce attorney, custody issue can often be settled with both parents benefitting.