Arnold Schwarzenegger and Wife Maria Shriver Finally Settled Divorce after 10 Years

Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver have finally completed their divorce, ten years after announcing their separation. 

TMZ reported their divorce was finalized on December 28, 2021, in the Los Angeles Superior Court. 

The reason for their drawn-out divorce was the complicated property settlement agreement over their $400 million fortune.

Schwarzenegger and Shriver had tied the knot in 1986 and did not have a prenup.

Why Did Arnold Schwarzenegger and Wife Divorce?

Shriver filed for divorce from Schwarzenegger on July 1, 2011, after she learned of his reported infidelity.

The Terminator star had an affair with the family's housekeeper, Mildred Patricia Baena, around 1996. Their affair resulted in a child named Joseph Baena. 

Initially, Schwarzenegger thought Baena was Mildred's husband's son and not his.

However, as Baena grew up and began resembling Schwarzenegger, it became clear that he was the action star's son.

When she found Schwarzenegger had fathered a son with Mildred, Shriver moved out of their house. 

Later, she and Schwarzenegger released a statement to announce their separation, citing, "At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship."

The actor further added that he would "take full responsibility for the hurt" he had caused.

During his interview with Good Morning America, he revealed his wife had previously approached him to ask about the affair.

However, Schwarzenegger didn't admit to his mistake because he was admittedly embarrassed.

"Well, I just didn't know how to. I was just, I think, too scared about losing everything, losing her, losing the family. I just didn't know how."

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ex Wife's Children

Schwarzenegger and Shriver met for the first time at the RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament in 1977.

After nine years of dating, they tied the knot on April 26, 1986.

Three years after their marriage, the two welcomed their first child together, daughter Katherine Eunice Schwarzenegger, on December 13, 1989.

Their family grew when Shriver gave birth to daughter Christina Maria Aurelia Schwarzenegger on July 23, 1991. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrating his birthday with his ex wife and children. (Source: Patrick Schwarzenegger's Instagram)

Schwarzenegger and his spouse gave birth to two sons — Patrick Arnold (born September 18, 1993) and Christopher Sargent (born September 27, 1997).

His sons, Patrick and Baena, are both following in his footsteps, working on movies.

Patrick has appeared in films like The Benchwarmers and Midnight Sun, while Baena starred in Terminator 2 Remake with Joseph Baena: Bad to the Bone. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's Relationship

Though Schwarzenegger and Shriver have divorced, they have maintained a friendly relationship.

The former couple continues supporting each other and often celebrates special occasions together.

Patrick, the former couple's oldest son, posted a picture of his birthday celebration on September 2021. The entire family was present in the photograph. 

In one particular picture, Schwarzenegger and Shriver were seated together, surrounded by their four children.

Aside from celebrations, the body-building legend and his former spouse have also been spotted getting pedicures together.

In December 2018, the two were photographed getting their nails done at a Brentwood's beauticians.

A month later, they were spotted again at a nail salon alongside their daughters, Katherine and Christina.