Family Law

An energy magnate's estranged wife has been awarded $184 million in what appears to be one of the biggest divorce verdicts in American history.

Maya Polsky, 55, a Chicago homemaker and art gallery owner, filed for divorce from Michael Polsky in 2003.

Maya Polsky's attorney, Howard Rosenfeld, said more than $170 million of the award is nontaxable cash. He said in researching the case he could find nothing in which a homemaker wife received such a significant award.

Judges in Illinois have some leeway in determining how to split marital assets. Rosenfeld successfully argued that Maya Polsky was her 57-year-old husband's trusted confidant and therefore entitled to half of the estate.

Michael Polsky's attorneys said he was responsible for the couple's great wealth and said they'll likely appeal the decision.

From KRQE.com.