Kobe Bryant divorce: Three homes to Vanessa probably just a start

The shifting of three Orange County properties worth an estimated $18.8 million to Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa, is probably one part of a larger division of assets underway as the couple finalizes their divorce.

The couple, who were married for about 10 years before announcing their separation in December, did not have a prenuptial agreement, Vanessa Bryant's mother told The Times. If true, she would be entitled to half of their community property.

Some estimates put Kobe Bryant's net worth at $150 million. Legal experts said Vanessa Bryant will probably receive at least $75 million in addition to ongoing spousal and child support.

PHOTOS: Kobe and Vanessa Bryant through the years

According to property records review by The Times, three mansions in Newport Beach's upscale Newport Coast community have recently been placed in Vanessa Bryant's name. They are:

--An estate in the Resort at Pelican Hill was recently under construction. Property records peg its worth at $11.2 million. Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka, was the listed owner until he signed transfer papers Dec. 15.

--A home worth $2.9 million was owned jointly by the couple since 2003. Vanessa Bryant signed documents to transfer it into her name Dec. 14.

--A home valued at $4.7 million was transferred to Vanessa on Dec. 30 from the Kobe Bryant trust.

Neither of the attorneys representing the couple was available for comment Friday.

Vanessa Bryant filed a divorce petition in Orange County Superior Court in December, citing "irreconcilable differences." The couple released a joint statement then saying that they had "resolved all issues incident to their divorce privately."

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-- Michael Reicher, Times Community News

Photo: Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, attend the skills competition at the NBA basketball All-Star Saturday Night in Dallas in February 2010. Credit: LM Otero / Associated Press