Heather Mills wins £24.3m Paul McCartney divorce payout

By Emma Henry and Laura Clout

Last Updated: 2:37am GMT 18/03/2008

Heather Mills wins £24.3m Paul McCartney divorce payout

By Emma Henry and Laura Clout

Last Updated: 2:37am GMT 18/03/2008

Heather Mills has been awarded £24.3 million in a divorce settlement from former Beatle Paul McCartney but has vowed to appeal the publication of the judge's summary.

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· Court summary of settlement

Heather Mill and Paul McCartney arrive at the High Court in central London

It is understood that the couple have agreed joint

custody of their four-year-old daughter, Beatrice

Lady McCartney, who lost her leg in a motorcycle accident, said she had been asking for £125m and Sir Paul offered £15.8 million.

Her divorce from Sir Paul has been one of the most acrimonious divorce battles in recent history.

Sir Paul said "all will be revealed" as he left the court and added that a statement would be made shortly.

The warring couple spent six days in court last month trying to reach a settlement on the division of Sir Paul's assets, reputed to be worth as much as £825 million.

The decision of Lady McCartney, 40, to sack her legal team and represent herself is thought to have contributed to the length of the case.

Sir Paul, 65, married the former model and charity campaigner in 2002, but they split four years later.

Since the divorce was announced, there has been mounting speculation about Lady McCartney's demands, and the legal profession is expected to review the decision closely.

Speaking on Sky News, family and divorce lawyer Vanessa Lloyd Platt said: "This is a short marriage and will set a precedent for judges."

Some lawyers have claimed it could be the biggest contested divorce settlement in British legal history, while others expect a more conservative agreement, citing the short length of the marriage and the fact that most of Sir Paul's wealth was established decades before the couple met.

It is understood that the couple have agreed joint custody of their four-year-old daughter, Beatrice.

Before the case there was speculation that Sir Paul would offer Lady McCartney a £55 million settlement, on the condition that she agree never to speak to the press about the marriage.

The money would be paid in £2.5 million annual payments until Beatrice turns 18.