McCartney divorce to cost ?100m

Paul McCartney could be forced to pay Heather Mills up to £100 million in a divorce settlement, a financial expert has claimed.

Philip Beresford, compiler of the annual Sunday Times Rich List, has estimated that the former Beatle will pay £30 million in a divorce settlement, while legal bills will cost more than double that.

As a result, the legendary performer has plummeted down the Rich List by 63 places, from number 65 last year to number 128.

Mr Beresford said: "Sir Paul has dropped so many places this time based on a ¬special adjustment for his settlement.

"I took a provision on how much she was likely to get in a divorce settlement and estimated £100million of his fortune.

"That is the only reason he has gone down so significantly."

However, Mr Beresford suggested that once Apple EMI announces a deal about The Beatles's back catalogue, the singer's wealth will be considerably increased.

McCartney married Mills in June 2002 and they have a three-year-old daughter together, Beatrice. The couple's separation was announced in May 2006 and McCartney filed for divorce in July of the same year citing "unreasonable behaviour."