Singer Madonna married the British film director in 2000 and they have an eight-year-old child together, as well as an adopted son. The former also has a daughter her previous marriage.
It was rumoured yesterday that they were planning a split and a spokesperson later confirmed the reports.
"Madonna and Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce after seven-and-a-half years of marriage. They have both requested that the media maintain respect for their family at this difficult time," a statement read.
It went on to say that a settlement had not yet been reached, prompting speculation that they do not have a prenuptial agreement and Ritchie could be entitled to half of his wife's estimated £300 million fortune.
Last month website Divorce-Online found that ten per cent of all divorces occur with the first two years of a marriage.
