On Tuesday, January 8, 2026, a Nashville court finalized the divorce of actress Nicole Kidman and country musician Keith Urban. After nearly 20 years of marriage, Kidman filed for divorce on September 30, 2025, citing irreconcilable differences. Although the dissolution of the marriage has been widely reported, there was little fanfare around the case itself, as the two parties seemed dedicated to handling the divorce behind the scenes.
In fact, the Kidman Urban case is a master class in navigating a high-stakes divorce without high drama. Divorce can be extremely painful, but it doesn’t have to be acrimonious. This celebrity divorce has been so amicable (at least to the public) that others can learn lessons to help them handle their own.
Put on a Civil Public Face
Kidman and Urban’s marital issues were not widely known because they maintained a civil public image. Although reportedly living separately while deciding whether to continue the marriage, they appeared together at several events, including the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards and multiple FIFA Club World Cup games. Only when Kidman filed court papers did the public learn what was happening behind the scenes.
Although you may not choose to handle your divorce in quite this way, you can still strive to avoid public drama with your ex-partner. If you have children, keeping them safe from public chatter should be the priority.
When you remain cordial, or at least neutral, around your ex, it will make your divorce much tasteful than it would be if you were at each other’s throats in public. Not only does this approach make it easier for you and your children, it also starves the rumor mill and tabloids of fodder.
Keep the Private Details Private
During the separation and divorce, Urban and Kidman rarely commented to the press and avoided airing personal issues publicly. High-profile individuals could harm an ex’s reputation, but they mostly remained silent.
No tell-all interviews. No social media wars. No public spectacles. Keeping high-stakes divorce details private helps ensure a smoother process and lets you start the next chapter with less baggage.
If a public statement is necessary, make it tactful and discreet. A public relations professional can assist you and act as your spokesperson to limit media attention.
Choose Who You Confide In Wisely
While Kidman and Urban weren’t speaking publicly about their divorce, anonymous quotes circulated from people described as insiders who know them. While it’s unclear whether the exes sanctioned these statements or even knew about them before they were printed, they illustrate the importance of keeping your situation close to the vest.
Don’t share the details of your divorce with just anyone. You never know who will be willing to share your private information with the tabloids for a fee.
However, it’s still important to have a strong support system. Choose one or two people you can confide in and trust won’t tell your secrets. If you don’t feel like you can trust anyone in that way, consider going to a therapist since they’re professionally bound to safeguard your privacy.
Prioritize Healthy Co-Parenting
According to news reports, Urban and Kidman are committed to co-parenting their daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 15. The actress will have custody for 306 days a year, and Urban for 59 days—about every other weekend.
In addition to the custody agreement, it’s a good idea to have co-parenting ground rules. For Urban and Kidman, this means explicitly stating who has the final say over their children's well-being.
According to the former couple’s parenting plan, “In the unlikely event that the parties do not agree on a major decision for either minor child, [Nicole] shall have final decision-making authority.”
Agreements about children don’t have to end with what the court mandates. For example, you can talk to your ex about some guardrails on communication. You can come to an agreement about how both of you will discuss the divorce with your children—and which topics should be avoided.
Work on Agreement and Compromise
One seeming reason this celebrity divorce ended so quickly and so amicably is that Urban and Kidman did not fight too much. Since they’re both high earners, they each agreed to waive any claims to child or spousal support.
Additionally, it was reported that the musician and the actress have reached a mutual agreement on how property will be split, including personal items, household furniture, vehicles, appliances, bank accounts, and investments. They will both keep whatever is currently in their possession.
While it is unknown what the negotiations entailed, the lack of a drawn-out battle over the property suggests two parties willing to compromise and reach an agreement that worked for both.
Another area of agreement among the celebrities was how the divorce process would play out, which is probably why there has been so little public information about what transpired.
According to the decree, “Each party indicates that he or she does not want to proceed with formal discovery, including completing interrogatories and requests for production of documents, or discovery depositions, that are designed to discover assets and debts.”
Every divorce is different, and you may feel some areas are worth fighting for. Yet, entering negotiations with a spirit of compromise can foster an amicable divorce.
Use Prenuptial Agreements to Reduce Conflict
One lesser-discussed reason the divorce between Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban appears to have unfolded with minimal conflict is the reported existence of a detailed prenuptial agreement.
According to multiple media reports, the couple’s prenup included a so-called “sobriety clause,” under which Urban would receive an annual payment of $600,000 for remaining drug- and alcohol-free during the marriage. While such clauses may sound unusual to the general public, they are not uncommon in high-stakes marriages where prior substance use, career risk, or public reputation is a concern. There is no confirmation, but at $600,000 a year, and he has reportedly been sober since 2006, that could have provided him with more than $11 million.
Clauses addressing drug or alcohol use are often designed less as punishment and more as an incentive and protection. When clearly drafted, they set expectations in advance, reduce ambiguity, and can prevent emotionally charged disputes later if the marriage ends.
Importantly, well-crafted prenuptial agreements can limit the scope of future litigation. By resolving sensitive issues privately and in advance, couples reduce the likelihood of prolonged discovery, public allegations, or disputes over fault. In that sense, prenups are not about anticipating divorce so much as about insulating both parties from unnecessary conflict if it occurs.
For individuals entering marriage with complex financial arrangements, prior personal challenges, or significant public exposure, a thoughtful prenuptial agreement can be one of the most effective tools for preserving dignity and discretion—both during the marriage and after it ends.
Protect Your Mental Health
It’s been reported that Kidman is staying positive despite the end of her marriage, and she’s focusing on her future. This type of attitude can add to how civil a divorce is.
Challenging emotions will arise, but they need not consume you. Care for your mental health, and consult a therapist if necessary.
Navigating a high-stakes divorce can be challenging, even difficult, but it doesn’t have to be a PR nightmare. By handling it tastefully and respectfully, you’ll have a better experience and reduce the risk of a public human drama.
A skilled attorney can help you not only finalize your divorce in a beneficial way, but also navigate the landmines that can make it more taxing than you’d like. To discuss how our family law attorneys can help with your divorce, call Bikel Rosenthal & Schanfield LLP at 212.682.6222 or connect online.