October 12, 2007 12:19

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills to agree to '£60m' divorce

Decision made after secret High Court meeting

Photo Gallery: Paul McCartney
Photo: Pa Photos

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills are said to be close to reaching an agreement over a divorce deal, claimed to be worth as much as £60m, following a secret meeting at the High Court in London.

McCartney and Mills are said to be at the first stage of a mediation process that is designed to find common ground between the two parties over the financial value of the settlement.

The couple arrived separately and were accompanied by their lawyers yesterday (October 11) before a hearing in Court 16.

The final deal could be the biggest contested divorce settlement to date.

McCartney is expected to consent to a structured settlement, which would provide Mills with a lump sum on top of further payments for the care and support of their daughter Beatrice until she reaches the age of 18.

Despite tabloid reports Mills had been offered £32m, her lawyer Mishcon De Reya told The Independent: ”There has been no offer made whatsoever at any time to our client and therefore no settlement has been agreed.”