Witherspoon files for divorce

Hollywood stars Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe are to divorce.

Almost a fortnight after the couple announced they were separating, Witherspoon filed for divorce.

In yesterday’s filing in Los Angeles, the actress cites “irreconcilable differences” and seeks custody of the couple’s two children, seven-year-old Ava and three-year-old Deacon.

Witherspoon, 30, also seeks visitation for Phillippe, 32, and “exclusive use of the family residence”.

Witherspoon also asked for the court to terminate its ability to award spousal support to Phillippe.

The filing does not list separate or community property, saying the nature of the assets has yet to be determined.

The couple, who co-starred in the 1999 film Cruel Intentions, married that year. Their separation was announced on October 30 by a publicist who did not give the reason for the split.

In March, Witherspoon won an Academy Award for her role as June Carter Cash in 2005’s Walk The Line.

Phillippe co-starred in the best-picture Oscar winner, Crash, and is starring in Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Second World War drama Flags Of Our Fathers.