We heard that RHOBH’s bickering couple Paul and Adrienne had filed for a formal separation, and then we heard that they were possibly considering a reconciliation. So it’s surprising to me on one hand to learn that Adrienne Maloof and Paul Nassif are officially divorcing, but on the other it seemed inevitable if you saw them interacting on screen. These two couldn’t agree on the simplest things and barely seemed to share a word without arguing. It really seemed like Adrienne detested Paul. So now they’re splitting, and will join the countless other reality show couples who just couldn’t make it work. Paul has filed for divorce, and given the fact that he was the one who initially filed for a separation, I would guess he’s the one pushing to get out. Here’s the story, thanks to TMZ:

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Dr. Paul Nassif has filed for divorce from his wife Adrienne Maloof … TMZ has learned.

We broke the story … Dr. Paul originally filed for legal separation back in July. The divorce docs filed this morning cite irreconcilable differences.

As TMZ previously reported … Dr. Paul — repped by powerhouse attorney Lisa Helfend Meyer — made it clear in the separation docs there is a prenup in place. He also stated he wants joint legal and physical custody of the couple’s children. Paul’s divorce petition reaffirms that he wants joint custody and acknowledges the prenup. Fact is … they both have their own money.

Adrienne had planned on filing divorce papers simultaneously with Paul … but backed out at the last minute. It’s unclear if Maloof will ever file the papers … because it would serve no real purpose.

The couple married in 2002, they have three boys together.

[From TMZ]

This would be sad in another context, but overall it just makes me sigh. I do hope that they each get a lot of counseling so that they don’t repeat the same mistakes with their next relationship, but let’s be real – there’s a reason second and third marriages have an even higher failure rate than first ones. They’re both destined to make someone else miserable after a brief period of really good sex. I would say that at least we won’t have to see it on television this time, but that might not be the case. Adrienne is now in talks with NBC about getting her own reality show. It might not follow her personal life, though. It’s said to be a reality-show competition which “will focus on Adrienne and her brothers and the Maloof family businesses. The show is in the early planning stages but it will be a competition-style reality show based around family businesses.” Reality Tea has more on the potential show, which is still in the early stages, and it sounds a little like “Shark Tank,” but not as cut and dried. I really love “Shark Tank” and I would probably watch this.

These photos are from 6-1, 5-14, and 3-26-12. Credit: WENN.com