August 8, 2021

Bill Gates, Microsoft’s co-founder, and Melinda French are divorced in Washington after 27 years of marriage. The official proceedings were concluded on Monday by filing with King County Superior Court in Washington. The divorce was finalized three months after the couple announced their plan to split up.

They were one of the most prominent couples in global business. New York Times reported in May that Melinda French was uncomfortable with her husband’s connection with Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire investor. Media outlets published about the bond between two men, it was then Melinda French hired a divorce lawyer. There was no separation contract filed in the court in the divorced in Washington. Whereas Monday proceedings say neither of the spouses has requested for a name change. They both intend to work together on philanthropy.

For Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation, both are trustees and co-chairs, Melinda French said that she will resign if either of the two concluded they can’t work together. The foundation was launched in 2000.

Melinda French worked at Microsoft from 1987 to 1996 whereas Bill Gates started Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. Gates served the company as CEO, they both met in 1987 and were married in 1994.

According to Bloomberg, the net worth of Bill Gates is $152 billion, making him the fourth wealthiest man. AutoNation and Deere shares were transferred to Melinda French Gates from Bill Gates’ holding company Cascade Investment. Melinda French along with the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Mackenzie Scott has been active in philanthropy initiatives related to gender equality.

If you or your loved ones suffer from divorce-related problems in Idaho, know your legal rights through an Idaho divorce lawyer.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/02/bill-and-melinda-french-gates-are-officially-divorced.html