Maria Shriver files for divorce, may pocket $200 mln

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife Maria Shriver, who had filed divorce papers Friday to end their 25-years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences, could receive $200 million under the state law.

Shriver, a member of America's most famous political clan the Kennedys, and Hollywood action star Schwarzenegger, married in 1986 and became one of the top U.S. power couples as it symbolized a rare union between politics and Hollywood.

The couple weathered storms over the years and Maria became the pillar of her husband's strength at every twist and turn and was instrumental in Schwarzenegger's victory in election for the position of governor of California. Shriver even stood by her husband's side as he ran for California's governorship in 2003, even after the Los Angeles Times reported accusations by several women that they had been groped by the Gubernator. Schwarzenegger was elected twice to governorship.

However, the last few months their marriage showed signs of strain and after Arnold's tenure as governor ended, he confessed to having fathered a child out of wedlock. Arnold said in May he had an affair with Mildred Baena, a longtime housekeeper for the family. The love child is now 13.

The disclosure shocked the world and shocked Maria, who moved out of the family's Brentwood mansion after learning about the love child. Later Shriver said in a statement that it was a painful and heartbreaking time for her.

Schwarzenegger later said After leaving the governor's office, I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago, Schwarzenegger said in statement announcing that he fathered the boy. I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry.

Shriver's divorce petition, filed Friday or six weeks after the Terminator star confessed to fathering a child out of wedlock, seeks joint custody of their teen children Patrick and Christopher, who are 17 and 13. Together Shriver and Schwarzenegger have four children.

Now here's the scoop.

According to TMZ, the estranged couple had not signed any prenuptial agreement at the time of marriage and rumors are swirling as to how Schwarzenegger's wealth, estimated at $400 million will be divided between the two.

The wealth of Shriver, who's an ward winning television newscaster, is estimated at more than $1 million.

Schwarzenegger's estimated wealth is much more. The action hero has earned from blockbuster movies such as Predator, ''True Lies and Terminator series and economic disclosure forms filed when Schwarzenegger left the governor's office in January show he has interests in at least eight entities each worth $1 million or more. Schwarzenegger, a former Mr. Universe, also retains the rights to intellectual property from his heydays as bodybuilding and fitness instructor.

In total, Schwarzenegger's wealth has been estimated at $300 and Shriver's wealth at $100 million by TMZ and in California, in the absence of a prenup, all earnings and other property acquired during the marriage is considered community property, which means a 50/50 split. If that happens, Shriver stands to end up with $200 million.