Newlyweds Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson have reached an agreement about their divorce settlement—surprisingly enough, Nick will be walking away with less than expected. Perhaps to put things behind him quickly, Lachey agreed to take much less than the 50 percent he’s entitled to. Since Simpson didn’t sign a prenuptial agreement, California law entitles him to half of the assets. At half, Lachey would get $18 million, but he has decided to settle for less, bypassing the need to go to court.

Neither Simpson nor Lachey have withered from the spotlight since the split. Lachey’s recent wins at the Teen Choice awards and romance with MTVs Vanessa Minnillo, as well as the popularity of his heartbreaking song “What’s Left of Me,” have kept him front and center. Similarly, Simpson continues to get attention with her new album “A Public Affair,” her bout with laryngitis, and links to both funny man Dane Cook and musician John Mayer (she’s not dating either of them).