Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi have been granted a decree nisi at the High Court as they finalise their divorce.
The pair separated after a Sunday newspaper printed photographs of
70-year-old Saatchi with his hands around his wife's throat during an
argument which was later described as "a playful tiff".Saatchi, who is said to be worth over £100m, agreed to accept a police caution for assault after the picture came to light.
It is understood no money will change hands between the couple as they finalise the end of their marriage of 10 years.
The couple confirmed that Fiona Shackleton - who represented Sir Paul McCartney in his divorce from Heather Mills - was working on behalf of millionaire TV chef Lawson, 53, to bring the matter to a "swift and amicable" conclusion.
A statement issued on behalf of the pair said: "A divorce will proceed on the undefended basis, the decree nisi is to be pronounced on 31 July, and neither party will be making any financial claims against the other."
A decree nisi is a document issued by courts to say there is no reason why a couple cannot divorce.
After six weeks the parties can apply for a decree absolute to officially end the marriage.