London judge to give Paul McCartney-Heather Mills divorce ruling March 17

LONDON -- A British judge will give the financial terms of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills' divorce settlement March 17.

The Judicial Communications Office said Judge Hugh Bennett would deliver his ruling to McCartney, Mills and their lawyers during a private court hearing.

He will then decide, after hearing from their lawyers, whether to make any of the ruling public.

In Britain, divorce cases are heard behind closed doors, but the secrecy has only spurred speculation about the possible size of a financial settlement.

Mills, 40, and McCartney, 65, separated in 2006 after four years of marriage. They spent six days in court earlier this month trying -- and failing -- to decide on Mills' share of the former Beatle's fortune, estimated at up to $1.6 billion.

Media reports have suggested McCartney offered Mills about $50 million and that she was seeking at least double that amount.

Mills is a former model whose left leg was amputated below the knee after a motorcycle accident in 1993. She became active in campaigning against land mines and in favor of animal welfare.

The couple have a 4-year-old daughter, Beatrice.