Local News

Former MPD Officer Derek Chauvin's Divorce Finalized

February 4, 2021 / 2:16 PM CST / CBS Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A Minnesota judge has approved a divorce settlement between the former Minneapolis police officer who placed his knee on George Floyd's neck and the officer's wife, according to redacted court documents made public Thursday.

The divorce of Derek Chauvin and Kellie Chauvin was granted Tuesday — months after Washington County District Judge Juanita Freeman rejected a prior agreement that transferred most of the couple's assets to Chauvin's wife. The judge wrote at the time that the transfer of most assets to one party could be a "badge of fraud."

While details of that first proposed settlement weren't public, Freeman wrote that Kellie Chauvin would have received all equity in the couple's two homes, all the money in their bank and investment accounts and all the money from Derek Chauvin's pension and retirement accounts. Legal experts said her rejection of that proposal added to speculation that the Chauvins were trying to protect their assets.

Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder and manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd and also faces a lawsuit from Floyd's family. Kellie Chauvin filed for divorce on May 31, days after her husband was charged.

A proposed settlement that was filed publicly last month would have awarded Kellie Chauvin the net profits from the couple's Oakdale home, which lost its value due to vandalism, and the title to their Florida home, which was also vandalized. The Star Tribune reported at the time that they also planned to split debts and money in their bank accounts. Kellie Chauvin would have received roughly $703,718 in the settlement and Derek Chauvin would have received $420,768.

It's unknown how that proposal compares to the settlement finalized Tuesday. A message left with Kellie Chauvin's attorney, Amanda Mason-Sekula, was not returned Thursday. Derek Chauvin represented himself in the divorce.

Derek Chauvin