LONDON • While Janet Jackson can expect a big pay-off after her divorce from Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana, it is less certain if she will be awarded custody of their newborn son.

According to Fox News, the 51-year-old American singer and Mr Al Mana, 42, were seen exiting the Royal Courts of Justice in London last Thursday.

Married in 2012, the couple became estranged in April after she gave birth to Eissa in January.

Earlier reports speculated that Jackson was not happy over how he wanted their son to be brought up.

There was also talk that Mr Al Mana could be headed for a reconciliation after the media noted how he had praised Jackson in his personal posts online.

But it seems that they are now bound irrevocably for separate ways.

"I just want to keep it real with you guys for a second. Yes, I separated from my husband.

"We are in court. And the rest is in God's hands," Jackson revealed in a video message to her fans last month.

The New York Post reported in April that the judge could award her up to US$200 million (S$280 million) under the terms of the couple's pre-nuptial agreement, plus even more if they had a child.

Mr Al Mana, whose business spans cars, real estate, retail and technology, is reportedly worth US$1 billion.

Jackson's wealth is estimated at US$150 million.

Fox News also said that she has mapped out her future plans. She is reportedly in talks with Netflix for a 10-part documentary series on her life.

E! News noted, too, that the singer will be busy putting things together for a tour of American cities that is slated to kick off in September. Sources said she has shed 23kg to cope with life on the road.

Jackson was also briefly married to singer James DeBarge in 1984.

She secretly married back-up dancer-turned-music video director Rene Elizondo Jr in 1991, but they split up in 2000.