The golf world was shocked on Tuesday when Rory McIlroy was unveiled had filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll.
The 35-year-old is said to have submitted the documents on Monday, just three days before the start of the PGA Championship, the second major of the year, and just after his latest victory at the Wells Fargo Championship last weekend.
McIlroy’s communications team confirmed Tuesday that a divorce has been filed. They emphasized Rory’s desire to ensure the process is “as respectful and amicable as possible.” Court documents filed in Palm Beach County said their marriage was “irretrievably broken.”
McIlroy’s attorney was listed as Thomas Sasser, who represented Tiger Woods when his wife divorced him in 2010 after his serial cheating infamously came to light 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? MailSport takes a look…
Rory McIlroy has filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll (photo together in 2015)
They got together in 2014, but court documents say their marriage was ‘irretrievably broken’
McIlroy has famously hired celebrity attorney Thomas Sasser, who represented Tiger Woods
Sasser, who is 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 Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, while also serving as President of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).
A graduate of both the University of Florida and the College of William and Mary, Sasser holds various ceremonial and other positions at various legal organizations. He has also written academic articles on family law.
Sasser comes from a family of lawyers, with his father Donald the original founder of Sasser, Cestero & Roy, PA, and he was also the president of the IAFL.
In addition to his work with Woods, Sasser has represented a number of other high-profile clients in divorce cases, including Joe Jonas in his divorce from Sophie Turner and Tom Brady’s divorce 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’ former wife Elin Nordegren ultimately received a record $750 million (£595.5 million) settlement, making it the largest celebrity divorce payout ever.
This was double the amount Nordegren originally requested after her lawyers proved Woods was worth more than their original estimates.
Sasser is best known for representing Tiger Woods in his divorce from Elin Nordegren in 2010
He also represented Gisele Bundchen when she divorced former NFL star Tom Brady
The settlement also banned Woods from introducing single women to their two children, with the 48-year-old only allowed to bring a new partner into their lives if he married them.
More positive news for the American and Sasser, however, is that Nordegren will never be allowed to speak publicly about Woods’ alleged indiscretions while he shares legal custody of their children, meaning any major decision about their lives must be approved by the golfer.
Their relationship is also believed to have improved in recent years, with the couple spending time together with their children.
Meanwhile, Sasser achieved an impressive result for Bundchen in an extremely high-profile divorce case in 2022.
Although the proceedings were reportedly 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 a complex case involving actress Turner.
Following the initial filing of paperwork in September 2023, the proceedings are still ongoing, and the judge in the case recently granted the couple a 30-day extension to reach a settlement.
Reports also claim that Sasser has been turned on by Joe Jonas in his split from actress Sophie Turner
McIlroy’s divorce petition states that he signed a prenuptial agreement with Stoll. However, details of the scheme have not been disclosed
This came after proceedings were temporarily paused as the couple engaged in mediation to negotiate property and custody arrangements.
In McIlroy’s filings, the divorce petition states that the couple had signed a prenuptial agreement. However, details of the scheme have not been disclosed.
The filing also calls for shared custody and the creation of a parenting plan for their daughter Poppy.
McIlroy will use Sasser and all his experience in an attempt to get the best possible result.