Musician Ben Folds Directed to Provide $650K Settlement to 5th Spouse Emma Sandall in Divorce Settlement

Musician Ben Folds Finalizes Split From Emma Sandall 3 Months After Filing for Divorce

Ben Folds and Emma Sandall. KCS Presse/MEGA

Ben Folds, the 57-year-old musician, has recently finalized his divorce from Emma Sandall after six years of marriage. According to court documents obtained by People on March 21, Folds filed for divorce in December 2023, with the official separation date listed as November 20, 2023. The reason cited for their split was irreconcilable differences, and the divorce was officially completed on February 27.

Folds was ordered to pay Sandall $475,000 for her share in their Nashville home. Additionally, he was instructed to give her a total of $650,000, which amounts to $27,083.33 per month for two years. He also needs to cover 12 months' worth of car insurance.

In the divorce documents, it was revealed that Folds has other financial obligations towards Sandall. This includes $50,000 for furniture and $210,000 in Australian currency from a National Australian Bank account. Furthermore, he was directed to transfer ownership of a 2016 Honda CR-V that is currently under his name.

Fold's relationship with Sandall was his fifth marriage. Before Sandall, he was married to Anna Goodman from 1987 to 1992, Kate Rosen from 1996 to 1997, Frally Hynes from 1999 to 2007, and Fleur Stanbrook from 2007 to 2011.

Folds and Sandall got married in Hawaii in January 2017. The news of their separation came just two weeks after Folds announced his 2024 Paper Airplane Request Tour, starting in May and covering over 20 cities nationwide until August.

During my last tour, fans amazed me by launching hundreds of paper airplanes with song requests at the beginning of the second half of each concert. This simple, low-tech gesture created a unique connection with my audience, which I truly cherish. I shared this heartwarming experience on Instagram on March 6.

Musician Ben Folds Finalizes Split From Emma Sandall 3 Months After Filing for Divorce

Ben Folds and Emma Sandall preferred to keep their relationship private. In a September 2012 essay for The Sydney Morning Herald, Folds mentioned his past marriages. He referred to Goodman as his "oldest friend" and shared that they got married because they felt the need to make something of their lives.

He shared that after they parted ways, both he and his ex-wife found more success in their own lives. Despite the split, they remain close friends. In fact, some of the songs on his band Ben Folds Five's first two albums were collaborations with Anna.

Describing himself as a "hopeless romantic," Folds reflected on his brief marriage to Rosen. He met his current partner, Hynes, in Adelaide, Australia, and the couple welcomed their twins, Gracie and Louis, who are now 24 years old. Folds and Stanbrook ended their relationship in 2011, a year before he wrote an article for The Sydney Morning Herald.

He wrote at the time that he had actually not learned anything about women over the years. According to him, the key is to understand oneself and the reasons behind one's actions. He emphasized that in a relationship, if things are not working out despite repeated attempts, it is important to reflect inwardly and question one's motives. Although he had a fondness for the idea of marriage, he admitted that it was not something he saw for himself.

Reflecting on his music, Folds acknowledged that his "reckless" nature had influenced his songs. However, he realized that taking risks in his personal life had not brought the same fulfillment.

Editor's P/S:

Ben Folds' recent divorce marks the end of his fifth marriage, leaving behind a trail of financial obligations and emotional turmoil. Despite his self-proclaimed status as a "hopeless romantic," Folds' numerous failed relationships raise questions about his approach to love and commitment. His financial obligations to his ex-wife, including substantial monthly payments and a large lump sum, highlight the significant financial burden that divorce can impose.

Folds' reflections on his past marriages offer insights into his personal struggles. While he acknowledges the importance of self-understanding, his repeated failed relationships suggest a pattern of unresolved issues or a lack of compatibility with his partners. His comments about not having learned anything about women over the years may indicate a reluctance to confront his own shortcomings in relationships. Ultimately, Folds' journey through multiple marriages underscores the complexity of love, commitment, and the challenges of maintaining lasting relationships.