Guy Ritchie 'recruits top divorce lawyer'

Guy Ritchie has hired a top divorce lawyer after battling with Madonna over where their children should live, according to a report.

The film director allegedly recruited Stephen Cobb QC after learning that he specialises in international divorce cases.

Pop queen Madonna is reportedly hoping to move back to the US with her children once the divorce is finalised, while Ritchie wants them to stay in London, their current base. The outcome will now be determined in court, where Madonna could be granted leave to remove Rocco, eight, and David, three.

A source told the Evening Standard: "Stephen Cobb is acting for Guy Ritchie. There are only a handful of barristers who specialise in leave to remove applications and he is the best in that area."

The couple confirmed that they were divorcing after nearly eight years of marriage last month.