Actress Witherspoon files for divorce

Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon filed for divorce from her husband of seven years, actor Ryan Phillippe, just nine days after the couple announced their separation.

In her petition in Los Angeles Superior Court, Witherspoon sought custody of the couple's two children, sole use of the family home and asked that Phillippe, 32, be denied spousal support.

The 30-year-old star of "Walk the Line" did request that Phillippe be granted visitation rights for the children.

Representatives for Phillippe, who is currently appearing in the World War Two film "Flags of Our Fathers," could not immediately be reached for comment.

Witherspoon and Phillippe reportedly met at her 21st birthday party before working together on the 1999 film "Cruel Intentions."

They married in June of that year and have two children, 7-year-old daughter Ava and 3-year-old son Deacon.

The split of one of Hollywood's golden couples stunned the industry and has provided fodder for the tabloids.

"We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate," publicists for Witherspoon and Phillippe said in a joint statement last week.

"They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time," the statement said.

Witherspoon established herself as a major box-office draw as star of the 2001 comedy "Legally Blonde" and scored a follow-up hit with "Sweet Home Alabama."

She won a best-actress Oscar this year for her role as Johnny Cash's country-singing sweetheart June Carter in "Walk the Line."

Phillippe has won praise for his role in "Flags," portraying one of the U.S. servicemen who raised the Stars and Stripes on Iwo Jima's Mount Suribachi during World War Two.