The filing does not list separate or community property, saying the nature of the assets has yet to be determined.

The couple, who co-starred in the 1999 film Cruel Intentions married that year. Their separation was announced on October 30 by a publicist who did not give the reason for the split.

In March, Reese won an Academy Award for her role as June Carter Cash in 2005’s Walk The Line.

Ryan co-starred in the best-picture Oscar winner, Crash, and is starring in Clint Eastwood’s latest film, the Second World War drama Flags Of Our Fathers.

Ryan speaks out - Nov 9 2006
Ryan Phillippe has spoken out about the accusations levelled at him following his split from wife Reese Witherspoon.

While he doesn’t directly comment on the allegations that he cheated on his Oscar-winning spouse with his co-star, Australian actress Abbie Cornish, he strenuously defends his reputation.

"I’m not a perfect person," he tells People magazine in a statement. "But I’m not guilty of a lot of things I have been accused of. My priority is and always has been the health and safety of my family."

The 32-year-old actor has two kids with Reese - a seven-year-old daughter called Ava and son Deacon, three.

The star has been made the scapegoat in the marriage break-up, with rumours that he and his co-star had a fling on the set of their new film, Stop Loss.

Ryan’s also known to be a fans of a good night out, although his spokespeople say that his so-called hard-partying image has been blown out of proportion.

Reese splits from husband Ryan - Oct 31 2006
Reese Witherspoon has formally split from her husband Ryan Phillippe.

A statement released on behalf of the couple read: "We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate.

"They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time."

The news comes as something of a shock to Hollywood, because in recent interviews for his new movie Flags Of Our Fathers, Ryan talked quite happily about his missus, although he admitted that they didn’t plan on working together any time soon.

The young couple have been together for seven years after meeting at the Oscar-winning actress’s 21st birthday party.

They have two children - Ava and Deacon.

Reese has apparently been talking to celebrity divorce lawyer Robert Kaufman, who has previously represented Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Marie Presley in their break-ups.

Although the pair have occasionally faced marriage problem rumours (particularly after Reese became one of the most bankable starlets in Tinseltown), they appeared to be a solid couple.

But TMZ.com reports that the reason Reese contacted a lawyer was "cumulative".

Reese and Ryan’s new baby - 03/11/03
Reese Witherspoon and husband Ryan Phillippe have had a baby boy to add to their family.

They have named him Deacon Phillippe, wonder if they have ever heard of the band Deacon Blue? Reese and Ryan already have a four-year-old daughter called Ava, and were married in 1999.