The Official End of Jessica and Nick: Inside the Divorce

We may have been a bit premature in announcing the date, but the fact remains: Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey will soon make their divorce official.

In court documents made available today, Simpson and Lachey have asked the court to appoint a retired judge, Judge Dana Senit Henry, to preside over the proceedings.

The former MTV Newlyweds are asking to "bifurcate" the case, meaning the divorce can become final and the parties can then deal with the complicated financial matters afterward.

Neither has wasted much time moving on personally. Lachey has canoodled with every pair of legs in Hollywood, now appearing to have settled, once again, on Vanessa Minnillo.
Simpson has bit a bit quieter in her dating life, but rumors are circulating that she and future co-star, Dane Cook, have been sharing a lot more than laughs recently.

In court, the papers require a "sign off" from the presiding judge before it becomes official. Senit Henry is on vacation until next week, but after he signs it, the judge is expected to issue the divorce decree immediately.

Then, The Gossip can truly believe we have a chance with Jessica every time we view her new video.