The golf world was shocked Tuesday when Rory McIlroy's identity was revealed. He had filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll.
The 35-year-old reportedly filed the paperwork on Monday, just three days before the start of the PGA Championship, the second major of the year, and fresh off his latest victory at last weekend's Wells Fargo Championship. ing.
McIlroy's public relations team confirmed Tuesday that a divorce has been filed. They emphasized Rory's desire to ensure the process was “as respectful and friendly as possible.” Court documents filed in Palm Beach County said their marriage had “irretrievably broken down.”
McIlroy's lawyers include Thomas Sasser, who represented Tiger Woods when his wife divorced him in 2010 after his serial cheating was exposed in the infamous episode. ended with Woods crashing his car into a fire hydrant and a tree.
But who is Sasser, McIlroy's famous lawyer? Mail Sport takes a look…
Mr. Sasser, best known for his involvement in the Woods case, is a managing partner at the West Palm Beach, Florida, law firm of Sasser, Cetero & Roy (Pennsylvania).
Mr. Sasser specializes in matrimonial and family law and is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and president of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).
Mr. Sasser is a graduate of both the University of Florida and the College of William and Mary, and has held several ceremonial and other roles with various legal organizations. He has also written academic papers on family law.
Mr. Sasser was born into a family of lawyers, and his father, Donald, was the founder of Sasser, Sestero & Roy of Pennsylvania, and chairman of the IAFL.
In addition to his work with Woods, Mr. Sasser has a number of high-profile divorce cases, including Joe Jonas in his divorce from Sophie Turner, and the breakup between the NFL icon's former partner Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen. I am representing a client. .
The Woods case was a very monumental piece in which Mr. Sasser represented a legendary golfer.
However, Woods' ex-wife Elin Nordegren ended up getting a record $750m (£595.5m) settlement, making it the highest amount ever paid in a celebrity divorce. .
This was double the amount Nordegren had originally sought after his lawyers proved Woods was worth more than originally estimated.
The settlement also prohibits Woods from introducing single women to his two children, and allows the 48-year-old to bring new partners into their lives only if they marry.
But the more positive news for Americans, and for Mr. Sasser, is that while Mr. Nordegren will never be allowed to speak publicly about Woods' alleged indiscretions, he will share legal custody of the children. This means that major decisions regarding the children's lives require the golfer's approval.
It is believed that their relationship has improved in recent years, and the two have been spending time together with their children.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sasser secured an impressive result for Mr. Bündchen in a high-profile divorce case in 2022.
Although the proceedings were reported to be highly adversarial, the divorce settlement remained confidential and sealed, meaning that Mr. Sasser ensured his client's privacy.
As for Jonas, Mr. Sasser is also representing him in his complex litigation with actress Turner.
After filing initial documents in September 2023, the case is still ongoing, and the judge in the case recently gave both sides a 30-day extension to reach a settlement.
This was announced after proceedings were temporarily halted as the couple went through mediation to negotiate property and child custody arrangements.
In McIlroy's filing, the divorce application states that the two signed a prenuptial agreement. However, details of the arrangement have not been disclosed.
The application also seeks to establish joint custody and a parenting plan for their daughter Poppy.
McIlroy plans to utilize Sasser and all of his experience to ensure the best possible outcome.
