US media reported that Ms Phillips, 43, cited “irreconcilable differences” between the couple after 12 years of marriage.

Masterson, 47, was sentenced earlier this month to 30 years to life in prison in front of her in court.

There is a child between the couple.

On Tuesday, attorneys for Ms Phillips and Masterson did not respond to requests for comment.

According to Ms Phillips’ lawyer, Peter Lauzon, “her priority remains with [their child].”

Masterson “was always there for Phillips during her most difficult times”, according to Mr Lauzon’s statement.

“She hopes that everyone will respect her family’s privacy during these difficult times,” he wrote. According to reports, their divorce petition was filed on Monday in Santa Barbara Superior Court, requesting full custody and spousal support for their child.

Furthermore, the suit seeks to “terminate the court’s ability to grant support” to Masterson and to divide their assets.

In 2011, they were married in Ireland after becoming engaged in 2009.

Throughout her husband’s lengthy trials on three rape counts stemming from 2003, Ms Phillips stood by him.

The jury deadlocked on each count against Masterson last year, leading to a mistrial.

In May, a second jury convicted him on two of three counts. In testimony, two women testified that he put drugs in their drinks and violently assaulted them.

Ms Phillips described Masterson as “a life-saving partner to me” before his 7 September sentencing, adding that she is “heartbroken” that he isn’t home.