REAL Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards will score a big chunk of Mauricio Umansky’s ‘$57B’ real estate empire when the couple finally files for divorce.
The couple announced their separation over two years ago but have not yet officially filed to terminate their marriage - a move many Bravo fans believe is to protect their millions of dollars in assets.
With Mauricio’s $57 billion real estate empire on the line, as well as Kyle’s millions from her Hollywood projects, it’s not “unusual” for a couple to delay the filing due to the “complex financial entanglements,” Los Angeles-based attorney Jamie E. Wright told The U.S. Sun.
The powerhouse lawyer, who is also a highly sought-after crisis communicator, went on to explain that although The Agency is Mauricio’s company, it belongs to both parties as it was launched in the middle of their marriage back in 2011.
"The stakes are sky-high. The launch of The Agency during marriage automatically makes the business property that belongs to both partners under California state law, despite Mauricio's lead role in its creation.
“The act of signing initial documents by Kyle might indicate she co-owned part of The Agency or contributed to its development.
“The duration of their marriage will likely cause courts to split business assets evenly.
“As a public figure Kyle Richards provides essential marketing value to The Agency which enhances her potential claim for ownership despite being unpaid,” the legal expert added.
Counselor Wright mentioned how dividing the assets for this particular case goes far beyond a vacation home and a car, as there are multiple high-profile entities on the line.
"The situation spans far beyond deciding who will possess the Aspen residence.
"The divorce represents a complex matter involving real estate business empires alongside brand equity value and shared ownership of properties together with accumulated revenue from a 14 season recurring role on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
“All financial elements connected to their lifestyle, from luxurious possessions to potential monetary gains, become potential bargaining chips during the divorce process.
“Millions create an environment where emotions become deeply involved, thus making the situation increasingly complicated.
“Both parties must navigate this legal battle like a chess match since a single strategic mistake can result in major financial losses reaching into the tens of millions,” Attorney Wright added.
Kyle, 56, and Mauricio, 54, tied the knot in 1996 - 15 years before he would go on to form The Agency, which launched in 2011.
While filming scenes for RHOBH, Kyle has mentioned that "we" started the real estate group, referring to herself and Mauricio, and that she "signed on the paperwork" numerous times as the company was taking off.
It remains unclear how much stake Kyle has in The Agency - which Forbes reported had sold over $57 billion in real estate since its conception.
As a couple, Mauricio and Kyle have a reported personal net worth of $100 million - though that figure could be a lot higher once The Agency and other assets are factored in.
END OF AN ERA
In the Summer of 2023, Kyle and Mauricio, who were widely considered to be the "best" marriage in all of Bravo, shocked fans when they announced they had separated.
At the time, there were rumors swirling that Kyle had moved on with country singer Morgan Wade.
Following months of speculation that played out on RHOBH that they were an item, Mauricio also began to move on romantically.
In late 2023, he was a contestant on Dancing With the Stars and was pictured on PDA-filled dates with his pro partner, Emma Slater, 36.
Since then, Mauricio has been spotted publicly making out with women all over the world, including in Los Angeles, Greece, and Aspen.
On an episode of Watch What Happens Live that was filmed in December, Kyle told Andy Cohen that she still was not "ready" to formally file for divorce.
"We still haven't talked about [filing]. You know, we're good friends, and we get along really well.
"And I don't know, we just live separate lives and it just hasn't come up yet. When the time comes, we will address it," she said.
