Jessica Alba Divorce Finalized: What the $3M Settlement Means for Florida Couples

Jessica Alba and Cash Warren Make It Official

TMZ reported this week that Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have officially finalized their divorce as of February 13, 2026, bringing an end to a relationship that spanned nearly two decades. The terms are surprisingly clean for a celebrity split: joint custody of their three children (ages 17, 14, and 7), zero spousal support for either party, and a $3 million equalization payment from Alba to Warren, split into two $1.5 million installments. Alba also restored her legal last name, dropping Warren from her surname.

For a couple with this level of wealth and public visibility, the settlement reads as remarkably straightforward. And as a Florida divorce attorney, that is exactly the part worth talking about. Because what looks simple on paper usually reflects either excellent planning on the front end or hard-won negotiation behind the scenes — and often both.

What Is an Equalization Payment and Why Does It Matter?

Let me break down the $3 million figure, because I think it confuses people. An equalization payment is not a penalty. It is not alimony. It is a tool courts and attorneys use when marital assets cannot be divided evenly through a simple split.

Imagine one spouse keeps the family home worth $2 million and the other keeps a retirement account worth $1 million. The assets are not equal. Rather than forcing a sale or liquidation, the spouse who received more pays the difference — or some negotiated portion of it — to the other spouse. That is an equalization payment.

In the Alba-Warren divorce, the $3 million payment almost certainly reflects the fact that Alba retained certain assets (business interests, real estate, intellectual property rights) that could not be easily divided in half. Rather than drag things out with appraisals and litigation, they agreed on a number.

This is exactly how Florida handles it under our equitable distribution framework.

How Florida Would Handle a Case Like This

Florida is an equitable distribution state under Section 61.075 of the Florida Statutes. That means marital assets and liabilities are divided fairly — but not necessarily 50/50. Courts consider factors like:

• The duration of the marriage
• Each spouse's economic circumstances
• Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and child-rearing)
• Whether one spouse interrupted a career to support the other
• The desirability of keeping certain assets intact (like a business)

Alba and Warren were married for about 16 years. In Florida, that would likely qualify as a long-term marriage, which can affect both the property division analysis and any alimony considerations. The fact that they agreed to no spousal support is notable. Under Florida's reformed alimony statute, durational alimony would have been on the table for a marriage of this length, but it is not automatic — especially when both spouses have earning capacity.

If you are curious about how Florida's current alimony rules work after the recent reforms, I have written a detailed breakdown in our guide to durational alimony in Florida.

The joint custody arrangement is also worth highlighting. Florida does not use the term "custody" in its statutes anymore — we call it time-sharing — but the concept is the same. Florida courts strongly favor shared parental responsibility, meaning both parents participate in major decisions about the children. The Alba-Warren agreement to share custody of all three kids, without apparent conflict, suggests they either had a solid prenuptial agreement addressing these issues or they negotiated cooperatively. Either way, it is a model outcome.

The No-Spousal-Support Decision

This is the detail that seems to surprise people the most. Alba's net worth is estimated to be significantly higher than Warren's, largely due to her acting career and her stake in The Honest Company. So why no alimony?

A few possible reasons, all of which have parallels in Florida divorce cases:

• A prenuptial agreement may have waived spousal support. Prenups that waive alimony are generally enforceable in Florida as long as they meet the requirements of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act.
• Warren may have sufficient income and assets of his own. He has worked as a film producer and entrepreneur. Florida courts consider both parties' earning capacity when evaluating alimony.
• The equalization payment itself may have been negotiated in lieu of ongoing support. This is common — one larger lump sum upfront instead of years of monthly payments.

In my practice, I see this trade-off come up frequently. Many clients, especially those with higher incomes, prefer a clean break. A single equalization payment or lump-sum settlement avoids the ongoing entanglement of monthly alimony checks, the risk of future modification proceedings, and the emotional weight of a continuing financial relationship with an ex-spouse.

The Name Change: A Small Detail That Matters

The report notes that Alba restored her legal last name. This is a routine but often overlooked part of divorce proceedings. In Florida, you can request a name change as part of your divorce decree at no additional cost — it is built right into the process. If you skip it during the divorce, you would need to file a separate petition later, which means more paperwork and more expense.

I always advise clients to think about this before finalizing. Our guide to the Florida divorce name change process walks through exactly how it works and what documents you will need to update afterward.

What Florida Couples Can Take Away From This

You do not need to be a celebrity to benefit from the approach Alba and Warren took. Here are the practical lessons:

• Plan ahead. Whether it is a prenuptial agreement or simply organizing your financial documents before filing, preparation makes everything faster and less expensive.
• Consider the full picture when negotiating support. Sometimes a lump-sum equalization payment makes more sense than ongoing alimony for both parties.
• Joint custody works when both parents commit to it. Florida courts want to see a parenting plan that serves the children, and the more you can agree on outside the courtroom, the better.
• Do not forget the details like name changes. Handle them during the divorce while the court already has jurisdiction.

If you and your spouse can agree on the major issues — property division, time-sharing, and support — your divorce may qualify as uncontested, which can save significant time and money. Our guide to uncontested divorce in Florida explains the requirements, costs, and typical timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an equalization payment in a divorce?

An equalization payment is a lump sum one spouse pays to the other to balance out an uneven division of marital assets. For example, if one spouse keeps a home or business worth more than what the other spouse receives, the equalization payment bridges the gap. In Florida, this is a standard tool under equitable distribution (Florida Statute 61.075) and can be structured as a single payment or in installments, just like the two $1.5 million payments in the Alba-Warren settlement.

Can you get divorced in Florida with no alimony?

Yes. Alimony is not automatic in Florida. Courts consider multiple factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial resources, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage. If both spouses are financially self-sufficient, or if a prenuptial agreement waives alimony, the court can approve a divorce with no spousal support. Spouses can also negotiate a lump-sum property settlement in place of ongoing alimony payments.

How does joint custody work in Florida?

Florida uses the term shared parental responsibility rather than joint custody. Under Florida Statute 61.13, courts presume that shared parental responsibility — where both parents participate in major decisions about the child — is in the child's best interest. The actual time-sharing schedule (how many overnights each parent has) is determined based on factors like each parent's relationship with the child, geographic proximity, and the child's preferences depending on age. Parents who can agree on a parenting plan, as Alba and Warren did, generally have a smoother and faster process.

Facing a Similar Situation?

Whether your divorce involves a $3 million equalization payment or a $300,000 home, the same principles apply: know your rights, understand how Florida divides assets, and get your questions answered before you sign anything. If you are considering divorce or are already in the process, schedule a strategy session with our team at Divorce.law to discuss your options.

This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon for legal decisions. Every divorce case is unique. If you are facing a similar situation, consult with a qualified Florida family law attorney. Contact Divorce.law for a strategy session.