One might want to question the wisdom of signaling the end of a marriage through the use of a smiley face on the formal divorce papers. But in the matter of the split between singer Katy Perry and actor-comedian Russell Brand, her use of such an icon may offer testimony to folks in Pennsylvania about the apparent value of uncontested divorce in weathering the process.

That the couple intended to divorce after just over a year of marriage was announced in December, but the formal paper work wasn't signed until this week. Now that it has been filed, details of the breakup are coming to light, and they seem to provide a great example of how the couple appears to be using the no-fault divorce process to set themselves up for getting on with their lives with a minimum of hassle.

According to the documents filed in Los Angeles, Perry, 27, and Brand, 36, sorted out all matters ahead of time and drafted a comprehensive written settlement. Specifically, and perhaps most notably, Brand renounces any claim to an estimated $22 million in community assets he could be entitled to based on Perry's earnings since they wed. Additionally, Perry will reclaim her maiden name, Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson.

As is common in many states, there is a time delay before the divorce becomes final. In California, it's  period of six months. That means that if Brand and Perry decide they want to save the marriage, they have until June 30 to do so.

Source: Billboard.com, "Most Amicable Split in U.S. History Won't Be Made Official Until June," Feb. 9, 2012