When Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich announced their separation, they emphasized it was amicable. But even though their divorce has been finalized, the exes can’t agree on one thing – what’s going to happen to the engagement ring.
According to Us Weekly, court documents reveal that their divorce was granted earlier this month though they remain undecided about what to do with the ring.
The value of the ring may explain why both parties are vested in it. The engagement ring is a custom Lorraine Schwartz, 6-carat, oval-cut diamond valued at $350,000.
The documents reveal that the exes must meet to "confer to effectuate the disposition of the engagement ring” – essentially to negotiates the ring’s fate. But if they can’t work it out together, a judge is legally allowed to rule.
Julianne and Brooks signed a prenuptial agreement 11 days before their 2017 wedding. They stipulated that neither wished to received spousal support should they divorce in the future.
The former couple had no property to divide in the divorce and they also agreed to pay their own legal fees. Despite what seems like an uncomplicated split, Julianne and Brooks’ divorce took two years to finalize, though the reason why remains unclear.
It was first reported that the pair had split in May 2020, before Julianne officially filed for divorce five months later.
"We have lovingly and carefully taken the time we have needed to arrive at our decision to separate,” they said in a joint statement when announcing the split.
“We share an abundance of love and respect for one another and will continue to lead with our hearts from that place," they continued. "We kindly request your compassion and respect for our privacy moving forward."
Julianne hinted at marital problems the year prior when opening up to Women’s Health about her bisexuality. She admitted her then-husband was taken aback when she told him she’s attracted to women.
"I [told him], 'You know I'm not straight, right?' And he was like, 'I'm sorry what?' " she told the publication of how she told Laich. "I was like, 'I'm not. But I choose to be with you.'”
Julianne was also spotted without her wedding ring on several occasions in the months leading up to the revelation of their split. "They were trying to work on things but Julianne realized she's happier having her freedom," a source told PEOPLE of why they broke up. "Brooks tried to give it to her but he also hit his limit."
The exes will probably be even happier once they cut the last string tying them together – the ring.
Sources: Us Weekly, The Knot, PEOPLE, PEOPLE, Women’s Health,