Schwarzenegger puts film comeback on hold

Arnold Schwarzenegger has delayed his Hollywood comeback as he braces for what could be a costly divorce prompted by revelations that he had an affair and child with a housekeeper who worked for his family for 20 years.

The former 'Terminator' star told his talent agency to postpone all his film projects that are underway or being negotiated until further notice, a statement from his office said.

"Gov. Schwarzenegger is focusing on personal matters and is not willing to commit to any production schedules or timelines," the statement said.

Instead of another film, the actor could be starring in a big-money divorce case that will stand out even in a city that has seen its share of made-for-the-tabloids matrimonial splits.

His wife, Maria Shriver, the Kennedy heiress and former network TV anchor, stands to significantly benefit financially, according to prominent divorce lawyers.

Although California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning her husband's acknowledged philandering technically cannot be used against him in court, the reality, lawyers say, is that it will be.

"Every judge would know about what happened, and I think would hold it against him," said lawyer Robert Nachshin, who has represented the ex-wives of a "who's who" of entertainers that includes Will Smith, Rod Stewart and John Ritter.

"Judges are human beings, and Maria will definitely be the sympathetic spouse."

Based on his experience, Nachshin said, Shriver should expect to receive at least $100,000 (€70,067) a month in spousal support and, with three children under the age of 18, probably another $40,000 (€28,027) or more a month in child support.

Then there is the division of the couple's property, including the Brentwood mansion that Shriver and her children moved from earlier this year.