Meet Rory McIlroy's celebrity lawyer: The family law specialist who represented Tiger Woods, Joe Jonas and handled Tom Brady's split from Gisele Bundchen

The golfing world was left shocked on Tuesday when it was revealed Rory McIlroy had filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll. 

The 35-year-old is said to have filed the documents on Monday, just three days before the start of the PGA Championship, the second major of the year, and fresh off his latest victory at the Wells Fargo Championship last weekend.

McIlroy's communications team confirmed on Tuesday that a divorce has been filed. They stressed Rory's desire to ensure the process is 'as respectful and amicable as possible'. Court documents filed in Palm Beach County had stated their marriage was 'irretrievably broken'. 

McIlroy's lawyer was listed as Thomas Sasser, who represented Tiger Woods when his wife divorced him in 2010 after his serial cheating was infamously exposed in an episode that ended with Woods crashing his car into a fire hydrant and a tree. 

But who is Sasser, McIlroy's celebrity lawyer? Mail Sport takes a look...

Rory McIlroy has filed for divorce from wife, Erica Stoll (picture together back in 2015)

They got together in 2014 but court documents said their marriage was 'irretrievably broken'

McIlroy has hired famous celebrity lawyer Thomas Sasser, who has represented Tiger Woods

Sasser, who is best known for that Woods case, is the managing partner of law firm Sasser, Cestero & Roy, P.A., which is located in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Sasser specialises in marital and family law and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, while he is also the president of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).

He graduated from both The University of Florida and the College of William and Mary when studying and Sasser holds several ceremonial and other roles in various law organisations. He has also written academic articles on family law.

Sasser comes from a family of lawyers, with his father Donald the original founder of Sasser, Cestero & Roy, P.A., and he was also the president of the IAFL.

Along with his work with Woods, Sasser has represented a number of other high-profile clients in divorce cases, including Joe Jonas in his divorce from Sophie Turner and Tom Brady's split from Gisele Bundchen, where he represented the ex-partner of the NFL icon.

The Woods case was a hugely monumental piece of work, with Sasser representing the legendary golfer.

However, Woods' former wife, Elin Nordegren, ended up netting a record $750million (£595.5m) settlement, which is the largest ever payout in a celebrity divorce.

This was double the amount that Nordegren had originally sought after her lawyers proved Woods was worth more than their original estimations. 

Sasser is best known for representing Tiger Woods in his split from Elin Nordegren in 2010

He also represented Gisele Bundchen when she divorced from former NFL star Tom Brady

The settlement also saw Woods banned from introducing any single women to their two children, with the 48-year-old only allowed to bring a new partner into their lives if he married them.

However, in more positive news for the American and from Sasser, Nordegren is never allowed to publicly speak about Woods' alleged indiscretions, while he shares legal custody over their children, meaning any major decision about their lives must be approved by the golfer. 

Their relationship is also believed to have improved over recent years, with the pair seen spending time together alongside their kids. 

Meanwhile, Sasser secured an impressive result for Bundchen in what was an extremely high profile divorce case in 2022.

Although the proceedings were reported to be extremely hostile, the divorce settlement remained confidential and sealed, meaning Sasser ensured privacy for his client.

In regards to Jonas, Sasser has also represented the singer in what has been a complex case with actress Turner.

After first filing papers in September 2023, the proceedings are still ongoing, and recently the judge in the case gave the pair an extension of 30 days to come to a settlement.

Reports also claim Sasser has been enlisted by Joe Jonas in his split with actress Sophie Turner

McIlroy's petition for divorce states that he had signed a prenuptial agreement with Stoll. However, the details of the arrangement have not been divulged

This came after the proceedings were temporarily paused as the couple engaged in mediation to negotiate property and child custody arrangements. 

Within McIlroy's filings, the petition for divorce states that the pair had signed a prenuptial agreement. However, the details of the arrangement have not been divulged.

The filing also calls for shared custody and a parenting plan to be established for their daughter Poppy.

McIlroy is set to utilise Sasser and all of his experience in an attempt to secure the best possible outcome.