Madonna and Ritchie six weeks from finalising divorce

Madonna and Guy Ritchie will be granted the first decree in their divorce in London today, according to new court documents.

London's High Court lists 'Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S', a case for "matrimonial and civil partnership causes for pronouncement of decree," where a judge is expected to grant the couple a preliminary divorce.

Madonna and Ritchie announced their separation last month after seven-and-a-half years of marriage, and the split could be made official in six weeks, if there are no objections to the decree.

The estranged couple are not expected to appear in court.

Ritchie is reportedly set to relinquish any rights to his wife's fortune as part of the divorce deal - in a bid to win access to the couple's children.

The pop superstar is rumoured to be planning to leave England and return to her native US with their children - eight-year-old son Rocco, adopted tot David Banda, three, and Madonna's 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from a previous relationship with fitness trainer Carlos Leon.