Battle for Johnny Depp’s $400m fortune as he splits from wife

The battle for actor Johnny Depp’s $400m fortune has commenced as he and his wife Amber Heard are divorcing after 15 months of marriage.

Heard, 30, cited irreconcilable differences and is seeking spousal support from the Pirates Of The Caribbean star, according to court records.

The pair, who do not have children together, married in February last year after co-starring in the 2011 film The Rum Diary.

Depp, 52, has asked a judge to reject Heard’s claim for spousal support in a response filed through his lawyer, celebrity news website TMZ reported.

The couple were recently forced to apologise after Heard illegally smuggled Depp’s pet dogs, Boo and Pistol, into Australia.

Heard pleaded guilty last month to falsifying documents to conceal the pets when she arrived by private jet to join her husband on the set of the fifth film in the Pirates Of The Caribbean series.

They recorded a 40-second videotaped apology as part of a deal with prosecutors that allowed Heard to avoid a conviction. The video was widely ridiculed for Depp’s wooden delivery.

Heard filed for divorce on Monday, three days after Depp’s mother Betty Sue Palmer died aged 81 following a long illness.

The American actress listed the couple’s separation date as Sunday. Depp was previously married to make-up artist Lori Anne Allison before their divorce in 1985