Divorce can sometimes be a long, drawn out process for some couples, particularly where the divorce involves a lot of assets or it is particularly contentious.

According to USA Today, Oscar winner Mel Gibson's attorney has nearly finished up the paperwork for his divorce from his estranged wife of 28 years, Robyn Moore.

According to sources, news of Robyn's decision to divorce Mel came back in 2009, though court filings said the couple had been separated since 2006. The divorce filing came just a few months before Mel's former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva would give birth to their daughter.

Since that time, the actor has become embroiled in a contentious custody battle with Grigorieva, who has also accused the actor of assaulting her during an argument in January 2010. Gibson accepted a plea deal in March over the charge, which involves 36 months of probation, 53 weeks of domestic violence counseling, 16 hours of community service, a $400 domestic violence fee, and ongoing mental health counseling.

At that time of his separation from Robyn Moore in 2006, Mel Gibson was estimated to have around $900 million in assets. According to sources, the details of the divorce are to remain private. The couple has seven children, one which is under the age of 18. The paperwork is expected to be completed by the end of August.

Gibson's divorce will likely not be the end of his family problems, however, as his custody battle with Grigorieva over their baby daughter does not appear to be on the cusp of resolution.

Interestingly, one of Gibson's attorneys was recently retained by Maria Shriver after news broke about their troubled relationship.

Source: USA Today, "Mel Gibson puts 'final polishes on divorce papers," Ann Oldenburg, 28 June 2011.