Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, transferred nearly $8 billion to his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, in 2024, years after their 2021 divorce. This massive payout stands out as one of the largest divorce-related transfers ever.
The payment has significantly shaped both of their financial standings and drawn global attention to how billionaires settle wealth after high-profile splits.
Bill Gates Net Worth
Bill Gates remains one of the richest people globally. According to recent estimates, his net worth is around $108 billion. This places him among the top ranks of global billionaires, even after major wealth transfers tied to his divorce settlement with Melinda.
Bill Gates has continued to hold substantial stakes in technology and investment firms, keeping his wealth high despite the payout.
Melinda French Gates Net Worth
Melinda French Gates has also become extremely wealthy. Her net worth is now estimated at about $29–30 billion. This rise reflects part of the divorce agreement. After the transfer, she ranks among the world’s richest women. Her financial position grew substantially as a result of the settlement.
Bill Gates Sent Ex-Wife Melinda $8 Billion
As part of their divorce settlement, Bill Gates transferred about $7.88 billion to Melinda French Gates’ private foundation in 2024. This figure became public through tax filings. The transfer was part of a broader $12.5 billion financial agreement between the former couple. The nearly $8 billion payment was reported as part of this larger settlement.
This transaction is counted among the biggest known divorce-related payouts ever recorded. It significantly increased Melinda’s financial resources and strengthened her position independently of Bill Gates.
Melinda Called Divorce ‘Necessary’, Bill Gates Labels It His ‘Biggest Regret’
Bill and Melinda French Gates announced their divorce in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. Melinda described the divorce as “necessary” to live according to her values, while Bill referred to it as the “biggest regret” of his life.
Despite the personal challenges, both have emphasized the importance of their children and their respective futures in their statements.
$8 Billion Part of a Larger $12.5 Billion Divorce Settlement
The $8 billion payout is part of a broader $12.5 billion divorce agreement. While $7.88 billion went to Melinda French Gates’ foundation, the remaining funds may be allocated to other entities under her control.
This massive settlement underscores the scale of the couple’s wealth and the financial arrangements required in high-profile divorces.
Bill Gates-Melinda Divorce Case
The Gates’ divorce was finalized in 2021 after years of joint public and private scrutiny. They had been one of the most public couples in the world, jointly leading major initiatives and businesses. Their separation was a major shift, both personally and financially.
The financial details of their separation have unfolded over several years. The divorce included real estate divisions, stocks, and this high-profile payout to Melinda’s foundation and other entities connected to her.
How the $8 Billion Impacted Their Finances?
The transfer of nearly $8 billion altered both Gates’ and Melinda’s net worth profiles. Melinda’s financial base expanded significantly, placing her in a much stronger individual economic position.
Bill Gates continues to rank high on billionaire lists. Even after this and other wealth transfers over the years, his fortune remains in the top tier worldwide.
Public Reaction and Legacy
The payout has drawn comparisons with other large divorces, such as those involving Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott. It also sparked discussion about how wealth is managed and shared after long marriages, especially among billionaires.
Observers say the scale of the payout reflects both the size of the Gates’ shared fortune and a trend of high-value settlements in wealthy couples’ divorces.
