Jensen Huang’s $145 billion question: What California divorce law says Lori Huang could get

Jensen Huang has been stripped of his position, board seat, and saw his wealth plummet by approximately $10 billion following an admission of an affair. If his marriage to Lori Huang, which has lasted for 41 years, were to end, California law could significantly impact the division of their fortune. Huang resigned as Nvidia's president, CEO, and director this week, following a letter to Nvidia employees admitting to his infidelity.

The board appointed his CFO, Colette Kress, as interim CEO and longtime director, Harvey Jones, as its first board chair while they search for a permanent successor. Huang wrote in his letter, "I owe my family and all of you an apology. I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did.

I am deeply sorry." This statement came after a New York Times report suspected Alice Huang of gathering information for Beijing, though China denied involvement. Huang has confessed to relationships with multiple Nvidia employees, including vice president of healthcare, Kimberly Powell, and another unidentified employee. The FBI is also investigating his relationship with Alice Huang, but so far, there is no evidence that national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised.

The outcome of a potential divorce would be determined by a number of factors, including how the shares were acquired and how the trusts were structured, among others. Under California's community-property rule, each spouse would be entitled to half of the assets acquired during the marriage. However, the exact division would depend on the specifics of their situation.