Johnny Depp may pay ex-partner Vanessa Paradis up to £100 million ($156m) in an out-of-court settlement after their recent split.

The former couple announced on Tuesday (June 19) that they were to separate after 14 years together, the Dark Shadows star is expected to offer Paradis a large lump sum in order to keep their break-up amicable.

Hollywood lawyer Robert Nachshin told the newspaper that negotiations over financial support for Paradis and Depp's two children Lily-Rose, 13, and 10-year-old Jack may prove complicated as the stars were never wed.

He said: "If the couple had been married, Mr Depp's wife would be able to simply claim 50%, child support payments and alimony."

"However, because they are not married this does not apply. The partner Paradis would have to file a civil suit and go to court."

Nachshin suggested instead that Depp would likely choose to give the French actress and singer a sizeable chunk of his estimated £225m ($350m) fortune to avoid a long and protracted legal battle, adding: "Litigation is expensive, and could run into extremely high figures. This won't be a monthly payment plan - he will make a lump sum payment as a settlement."

Paradis is also expected to retain ownership of a house in Plan-de-la-Tour in southern France, one of the couple's several worldwide properties which also include a mansion in the Hollywood Hills and a home in Venice, Italy.

Source: Press Release