Did David Geffen Really Risk Billions By Skipping A Prenup?
Contributing author: Morgan Fraser Mouchette
David Geffen is a triple threat—a record executive, film producer, and talent agent—but was he a threat to his own multibillion-dollar empire when he tied the knot without a prenup?
In March of 2023, Mr. Geffen married his personal trainer, David Armstrong. It was a union that drew intense speculation, due to their 50-year age gap—Mr. Geffen was 80 to Mr. Armstrong's 30—as well as rumors about Mr. Armstrong's past and evidence that he had changed his name several times (Mr. Armstrong also goes by Donovan Michaels).
Still, love is love, and the couple enjoyed a lifestyle befitting Mr. Geffen's extreme wealth, at least until they didn't. Two years later, in February of 2025, they separated, and Mr. Geffen officially filed for divorce in Los Angeles, CA, in May 2025, citing irreconcilable differences.
Though the shock factor of this May-December relationship had worn off, news of the divorce brought a surprising twist—that the couple had not signed a prenuptial agreement.
Thanks to a vast business empire including DreamWorks Pictures, Asylum Records and Geffen Records, Mr. Geffen's net worth is valued at over $8 billion. However, it is unlikely that Mr. Armstrong will be entitled to a substantial percentage of that fortune in their divorce.
California is a community property state that generally divides marital property equally upon divorce, but most of Mr. Geffen's wealth was accumulated at the height of his career—long before his marriage to Mr. Armstrong. Thus, the bulk of his assets would likely be considered separate property. As he is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations at his labels, his current income is primarily earned via his role at Geffen Advisors and through prior investments, which significantly limits the assets his soon-to-be ex-spouse could be entitled to.
From my experience working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, I would speculate that Mr. Geffen's wealth may have also been secured through irrevocable trusts prior to marriage, another way of shielding assets from divorce. This strategy is common for many reasons: the reduction of estate taxes, privacy of financial records, and protection from legal proceedings such as divorce. Given that Mr. Geffen was 80 years old, his estate and assets may have long ago been structured to account for divorce and death, mitigating the need for a prenup.
Due to the aforementioned factors, the most likely entitlement for Mr. Armstrong would be spousal support. However, since this marriage was only two years long, the support would be temporary or rehabilitative, confined by law to one year rather than lifelong alimony. In accounting for the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the couple, the courts will likely provide Mr. Armstrong with a small percentage to adapt in his post-divorce transition.
All told, this would amount to just a sliver of Mr. Geffen's total wealth, though it could still be considered quite a payday for the former fitness instructor who, reportedly, also spent time as a go-go dancer in Miami.
Mr. Armstrong has responded to the divorce petition, stating, 'The exact nature and extent of separate property assets and obligations are unknown at this time.' He further stressed that he 'reserves the right to amend this Response when the same is ascertained,' which leads me to believe that he may push back in an attempt to gain a higher payout. Anonymous statements from an alleged ex-girlfriend of Mr. Armstrong have added to this speculation, expressing that his intentions have historically been driven by the desire for money and fame, which were certainly within his reach during this marriage.
Mr. Geffen is a titan of empire and likely would have recognized that prenuptial agreements are standard business practice, begging the question: why would he opt out?
For starters, Mr. Geffen may have felt confident that his exposure upon divorce or even death was already limited. Other common reasons for foregoing a prenup include the desire to maintain privacy, an underestimation of financial risks in a marriage, or simply being too blinded by love. In this particular case, the couple's age gap could have also been a factor, as Mr. Geffen may have felt the need to demonstrate trust to Mr. Armstrong. Conversely, he may have had confidence in his control over their relationship dynamics.
With the divorce proceedings ongoing, it remains to be seen whether Mr. Geffen's lack of a prenup will work in his favor. Even if he comes out relatively unscathed, it should be noted that such an outcome is an exception, not the rule.
A relationship is akin to a business investment, and regardless of financial status, should be treated like one. Working with a matrimonial attorney and a holistic financial advisory team is the only foolproof way to safeguard your legacy in the event of divorce.
Morgan Fraser Mouchette, Partner in the New York City office of Blank Rome and Vice Chair of the Matrimonial and Family Law Group, handles complex matrimonial matters for high-net-worth and high-profile clients. She provides individuals and families with tailored and strategic support to navigate and move on from life's most difficult outcomes, including divorce.
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