Oklahoma oilman Harold Hamm is being ordered to pony up nearly $1 billion to his ex-wife after their 26-year marriage came to a close, People reported on Tuesday.
"We think the judge's decision was fair and equitable," his attorney, Mike Burrage, said.
Sue Ann Hamm had been living on her own since her husband moved out in February 2012. Three months later, divorce papers stating "mutual irreconcilable differences" were filed, News OK reported.
Sue Ann Hamm will get a 97 percent stake in a company called Orbit Gas Transmission, with a value of $3 million, $25 million in assets including various homes, $322 million by 2015, and at least $7 million per month starting in January, until she has received the remaining $650 million toward the total settlement.
"This is a company he had before the marriage that increased in value during the marriage," Burrange said. "There were market forces in play, such as the price of oil, the development of technology ... The judge heard about two and a half months of testimony and sorted that out and left all of the company intact. He got all the stock."
Harold Hamm's wealth is estimated to be $14 billion, with more than 70 percent ownership of Continental Resources. Forbes defined Hamm as "The Billionaire Oilman Fueling America's Recovery" in May.
"This has been a long and arduous process and we are appreciative of Judge Haralson and his staff for their dedication and attention to the witnesses and evidence presented," Hamm said in an emailed statement.
Despite the high settlement, the Hamm divorce falls short of the biggest ever. Russian "Fertilizer King" Dmitry Rybolovlev was ordered to pay his ex-wife over $4 billion.
Other costly divorces include Donald and Ivana Trump's $25 million settlement, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills' estimated $48 million settlement and Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren's $100 million settlement.
