ATLANTA - USHER Raymond says he and his wife were separated for nearly a year before the R&B singer filed for divorce, calling the marriage 'irretrievably broken', according to court records.

The divorce petition, filed on Friday and initiated by Usher, says the couple has lived separately since July. The two were married in a glitzy ceremony in August 2007, but split nearly a year later.

The Raymonds have two young sons: 1 1/2-year-old Usher Raymond V and 6-month-old Naviyd Ely Raymond. Tameka Raymond has three children from a previous marriage.

The petition says there is 'no reasonable hope of reconciliation' between Usher, 30, and Tameka Raymond, 38.

Usher is seeking joint custody of the children.

Tameka Raymond is contesting the divorce and has 30 days to respond to the petition. She said through her divorce attorney that she has been a 'faithful wife and loving mother' during the marriage.

The couple is due in court on July 15.

About 200 people attended their wedding at resort built in the style of a 16th-century-style French chateau on 3,500 hilly acres outside Atlanta.

Before the two married Usher had a string of romances, most notably his three-year relationship with Chilli from the group TLC.

The Grammy-winning artist's hits include 'Confessions,' 'Burn,' 'You Make Me Wanna' and 'Yeah!' -- AP