Johansson and art show curator Dauriac, a former journalist, married in October 2014 in Montana. They also have a daughter together, a toddler named Rose. The actress, best known for roles as Black Widow in Marvel’s The Avengers series of films and upcoming action blockbuster Ghost in the Shell, has now officially called time on their relationship by filing for divorce in a New York City court.

Custody battle looms

It has been reported that the couple signed a pre-nuptial agreement before they wed back in September 2014, but according to the notes in the divorce filing – this agreement doesn’t cover any financial or contact arrangements (custody) to do with their daughter. Johansson, who was formerly married to fellow actor and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds from 2008 and 2011, is understood to be seeking joint contact (custody) of their child but also wants Rose to live with her in New York.

What may cause complications in the case, however, is where in the world each of the separating couple chooses to live when the divorce is finalised. Romain Dauriac allegedly intends his daughter to live with him in his native France, and his lawyer Hal Mayerson said that his client is surprised by Johansson’s request as he has always been the primary parent.

In a hint of the potential residence battle to come, Mr Mayerson said:

“Mr. Dauriac is tired of having to run his life and his child’s life based on Ms. Johansson’s shooting schedule,”

He also said that Dauriac was shocked when his estranged wife filed divorce papers, that he sees it as a pre-emptive strike in the wrangles over custody that are likely to occur, and that Johansson will have “access to her daughter any time she wants to come to Paris.”

Whether or not that will be acceptable to Johansson remains to be seen, as her representatives didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from CBS News, but it is likely to be contested as the case unfolds.

Facing your own contact (custody) battle?

Some divorce cases can be quick and simple to resolve, while others become extremely complicated, very quickly. This usually happens when a couple have children and need to resolve residence issues. If this is a situation you’re facing, you need a family law expert with years of experience to draw on – to help you reach a resolution that everyone’s happy with and to get there with as little stress as possible.

Get in touch with Tracey Miller Family Law, one of the best regarded divorce solicitors in Liverpool, for a friendly chat about divorce or any aspect of family law.