The golf world was shocked on Tuesday when Rory McIlroy was revealed. He had filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll.
The 35-year-old is said to have 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 win at the Wells Fargo Championship last weekend. .
McIlroy’s communications team confirmed Tuesday that the divorce was filed. They highlighted Rory’s desire to ensure the process is “as respectful and friendly as possible.” Court documents filed in Palm Beach County claimed her marriage was “irretrievably broken.”
McIlroy’s lawyer was listed as Thomas Sasser, who represented Tiger Woods when his wife divorced him in 2010 after his serial infidelity was infamously exposed in an episode that ended with Woods crashing his car into a fire hydrant and a tree.
But who is Sasser, McIlroy’s famous lawyer? Mail Sport take a look…
Rory McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife, Erica Stoll (pictured together in 2015)
They got together in 2014, but court documents said their marriage was “irretrievably broken.”
McIlroy has hired famed attorney Thomas Sasser, who has represented Tiger Woods.
Sasser, best known for the Woods case, is managing partner of the law firm Sasser, Cestero & Roy, PA, based in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Sasser specializes in matrimonial and family law and is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, while he is also president of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).
He graduated from both the University of Florida and the College of William and Mary while studying, and Sasser holds various ceremonial and other positions in various legal organizations. He has also written academic articles on family law.
Sasser comes from a family of lawyers, with his father Donald being the original founder of Sasser, Cestero & Roy, PA, and also a former president of the IAFL.
In addition to his work with Woods, Sasser has represented other high-profile clients in divorce cases, including Joe Jonas in his divorce from Sophie Turner and Tom Brady’s separation from Gisele Bundchen, where he represented the NFL icon’s ex-partner . .
The Woods case was a hugely monumental piece of work, with Sasser representing the legendary golfer.
However, Woods’ ex-wife Elin Nordegren ended up getting a record $750 million (£595.5 million) settlement, which is the largest payout ever in a celebrity divorce.
This was double the amount Nordegren had originally requested after his lawyers showed that Woods was worth more than their original estimates.
Sasser is best known for representing Tiger Woods in his separation from Elin Nordegren in 2010.
He also represented Gisele Bundchen when she divorced former NFL star Tom Brady.
The agreement also prohibited Woods from introducing his two children to any single woman, and the 48-year-old was only allowed to bring a new partner into their lives if he married them.
However, in more positive news for the American and for Sasser, Nordegren is never allowed to speak publicly about Woods’ alleged indiscretions, while he shares legal custody of his children, meaning that any major decisions about their lives must be approved by the golfer.
Their relationship is also believed to have improved in recent years, with the couple seen spending time together with their children.
Meanwhile, Sasser achieved an impressive result for Bundchen in what was a very high-profile divorce case in 2022.
Although the process was reported to be extremely hostile, the divorce settlement remained confidential and sealed, meaning Sasser guaranteed his client’s privacy.
As for Jonas, Sasser has also represented the singer in what has been a complex case with actress Turner.
After first filing the documents in September 2023, the process is still ongoing and the judge in the case recently gave the couple a 30-day extension to reach a settlement.
Reports also claim that Joe Jonas has enlisted Sasser in his split from actress Sophie Turner.
McIlroy’s divorce petition states that she had signed a prenuptial agreement with Stoll. However, details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
This came after proceedings were temporarily suspended while the couple participated in mediation to negotiate property and child custody agreements.
Within the documents presented by McIlroy, the divorce petition states that the couple had signed a prenuptial agreement. However, details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
The filing also calls for joint custody and the establishment of a parenting plan for their daughter Poppy.
McIlroy will use Sasser and all his experience in a bid to secure the best possible result.
