Rory McIlroy could avoid major headache as Erica Stoll ‘misses divorce deadline’

The golfer served his soon-to-be ex-wife with divorce papers on May 13

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll

Rory McIlroy could be granted his divorce earlier than expected after his estranged wife Erica Stoll reportedly missed an important deadline.

The Northern Irishman filed for divorce in May and served Stoll, 36, with the papers at her home in Florida on May 13, just a matter of days before he competed in the PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Stoll was handed the divorce papers by a private investigator at the family’s home in Jupiter, Florida, court documents obtained by The Belfast Telegraph revealed.

However, the case has taken a huge twist after Stoll did not respond to the papers in writing in time to contest the divorce petition in court.

As confirmed by the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office, according to the Daily Mail, Stoll has not filed anything to fight or delay the divorce before the deadline on Sunday.

It means the court could grant McIlroy a default divorce, which would entail proceedings continuing without the other party – Stoll – participating.

The filing also revealed the couple had signed a prenuptial agreement that asked for split custody of their daughter, Poppy, three.

Erica Stoll’s warning in divorce papers

McIlroy signed the divorce documents while playing in the Wells Fargo Championship on May 9 and Stoll was warned that she had 20 days to respond in writing.

“A phone call will not protect you,” the summons read. “Your written response, including the case number given above and the names of the parties, must be filed if you want the court to hear your side of the case.

“If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case, and your wages, money and property may thereafter be taken without further warning from the court.”

The golfer met Stoll in 2012 and they tied the knot at a lavish wedding ceremony in 2017,

However, it was confirmed by McIlory’s manager Sean O’Flaherty that he had filed for divorce after rumors had linked him with dating a reporter, Amanda Bellonis, who is currently married but has been seen without her wedding ring.

“Rory McIlroy‘s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed,” a statement read. “They stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment.