Secrecy shrouds McCartney divorce battle

Updated 08.52 Fri Oct 12 2007

Keywords: Heather Mills, Sir Paul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills met in court to thrash out the details of their divorce but it is not known whether they were able to strike a deal.

The details of the their legal wrangling were kept behind a closed-door session at the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday.

Leaving court yesterday evening, Sir Paul flashed his traditional "V" for victory sign while Ms Mills shielded her face from the waiting media

After a gruelling day of discussions Sir Paul and his estranged wife left the hearing at about 6.30pm but both remained tight-lipped about their meeting.

Divorce lawyers believe that an agreement will be reached, with some believing it will be the largest divorce payout in UK history, with the former Beatle shelling out as much as £70 million.

Leaving court yesterday evening, Sir Paul flashed his traditional "V" for victory sign while Ms Mills shielded her face from the waiting media.

The 65-year-old rocker then hit the town with his daughters Stella and Mary, attending a star-studded party in central London.

Previous reports suggested Sir Paul, worth an estimated £825 million, had offered Ms Mills £20 million but that she was holding out for a figure closer to £50 million.

The deal is expected to set a record and outstrip the £48 million insurance broker John Charman, 53, was ordered to pay his former wife Beverley in May this year in the biggest contested divorce settlement to date.

Some divorce experts are predicting the musician will face a total payout of £70 million to provide for Ms Mills, 39, and their child.