Diane Plese received a divorce settlement of $25 million after ending her 24-year marriage to Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec. The couple, who married in 1990, finalized their divorce in 2016, with Herjavec paying his ex-wife $125,000 per month in support on top of the substantial settlement. Dr Diane Plese, a successful optometrist, filed for divorce in March 2015 due to irreconcilable differences. Given that Robert Herjavec’s net worth exceeds $100 million, the settlement reflected the couple’s accumulated wealth over more than two decades together. This article explores diane plese’s background, her marriage to the tech entrepreneur, and the details surrounding the diane plese divorce settlement that made headlines.
Who is Diane Plese?
Born in 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Canada, Diane Plese built her identity as a dedicated optometrist long before her name became linked to celebrity. Her parents, Croatian immigrants who arrived in Canada the same year she was born, instilled values of hard work, discipline, and family loyalty that shaped her professional path.
Diane completed her college degree in the 1970s and became a doctor in the early 1980s. Following her medical education, she launched her optometry practice in the mid-1980s. As an eye care specialist, she performed comprehensive eye examinations, prescribed corrective lenses, and helped patients manage vision problems. Colleagues and patients recognized her for a patient-centered approach that prioritized genuine care over transactional interactions.
What set Diane apart was her commitment to educating patients about eye health rather than simply writing prescriptions. She built a loyal clientele through word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat visits, establishing her reputation the traditional way. Her practice thrived on trust earned over years of attentive service.
Diane maintained her professional independence throughout her marriage, continuing to work at her clinic even when her husband’s fame and wealth could have allowed her to step away. At 66 years old in 2025, her career stands as a testament to her self-reliance and dedication to the medical field.
Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec: Marriage and Family
Robert Herjavec walked into Diane’s Toronto optometry clinic in 1988 for a routine eye appointment. The 26-year-old entrepreneur, far from the polished television personality he would become, caught her attention with his enthusiasm and ambition. Following two years of dating, they married in 1990 at a Croatian church in Mississauga, Ontario.
The couple welcomed three children during their marriage. Brendan, born in 1993, now works in business strategy and development. Skye arrived in 1996 and pursued a career as a business executive and entrepreneur. Their youngest, Caprice, was born in 1998 and became a consultant at an executive compensation consulting firm after excelling as a college athlete.
Diane stood by Robert’s side as he built BRAK Systems from their basement. The company’s sale to AT&T Canada in 2000 for $30.2 million changed everything. The family purchased a Bridle Path mansion for over $7 million, featuring an indoor pool, ballroom, and massive garage. They acquired a Florida recreational property on Fisher Island for more than $2.6 million. As a result, Diane stopped working outside the home to focus on raising their children.
After 24 years together, the couple separated in July 2014. Their three adult children initially stopped speaking with their father following the split.
The Divorce Settlement: How Diane Plese Got $25 Million
Plese formally filed for divorce in March 2015, eight months after their separation. Ontario Superior Court Justice Ruth Mesbur finalized the proceedings in 2016, ordering Herjavec to pay his ex-wife $125,000 monthly in spousal support with no set termination date. The settlement package totaled just over $25 million, which included an equalization payment of $2.6 million. Specifically, Plese received an additional $2.4 million once the couple’s Florida property sold. She also obtained one-third of the proceeds from the family’s Caledon ski chalet, approximately $400,000.
Plese already possessed $20 million in assets from the marriage. During the proceedings, the court heard that she had been out of the workforce for 15 years to care for their children. Her investment income would generate roughly $30,000 per month, but maintaining her accustomed lifestyle required $58,000 monthly. The judge awarded support below what Spousal Support Guidelines suggested, which recommended between $153,000 and $187,000.
Justice Mesbur cited Herjavec’s own book, Driven: How to Succeed in Business and in Life, as evidence of Plese’s contributions to his success. Subsequently, allegations surfaced that Herjavec may have undervalued his company during divorce proceedings.
Conclusion
Diane Plese’s story represents more than a high-profile divorce settlement. Her successful optometry career, which she built independently during the 1980s, demonstrates her professional capabilities before marriage. The $25 million settlement, notably, reflected her contributions during 24 years together, including 15 years away from her practice to support the family. Though the divorce made headlines, her career achievements and dedication to both her profession and family remain the defining aspects of her life.
FAQs
Q1. Did Robert Herjavec and Diane Plese divorce?Â
Yes, Robert Herjavec and Diane Plese separated in July 2014 after 24 years of marriage. Diane filed for divorce in March 2015, and the proceedings were finalized in 2016 by Ontario Superior Court Justice Ruth Mesbur.
Q2. How old is Diane Plese?Â
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Canada, making her 66 years old as of 2025.
Q3. Who are Robert Herjavec’s children from his first marriage?Â
Robert Herjavec and Diane Plese have three children together: Brendan (born 1993), who works in business strategy and development; Skye (born 1996), a business executive and entrepreneur; and Caprice (born 1998), who became a consultant at an executive compensation consulting firm after excelling as a college athlete.
Q4. What was included in Diane Plese’s divorce settlement?Â
The divorce settlement totaled just over $25 million, which included an equalization payment of $2.6 million, $2.4 million from the sale of their Florida property, approximately $400,000 from one-third of the proceeds of their Caledon ski chalet, and monthly spousal support payments of $125,000 with no set termination date.
Q5. How did Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec meet?Â
Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec met in 1988 when he walked into her Toronto optometry clinic for a routine eye appointment. They dated for two years before marrying in 1990 at a Croatian church in Mississauga, Ontario.