There is nothing left to keep Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey connected. Everything has been legally taken care of and the two can now cleanly make their break. It came at a hefty price for Jessica though. Papa Joe originally offered Nick $1.5 million dollars to finalize the divorce and Nick declined. Although the exact settlement isn't known (yet), TMZ is reporting that Nick walked away with considerably less than half of Jessica's earnings since the beginning of their marriage.

Sources say in the property settlement -- which has not yet been filed in court -- Nick will take significantly more than the $1.5 million, but considerably less than 50% of what he and Jessica earned during the marriage. Two sources in Nick's camp made it clear to TMZ that Lachey agreed to end the dispute because he does not want to hurt anyone in a contentious court battle. (source)