Betty Broderick’s story stands as one of the most notorious cases of divorce gone wrong in American history. Once a suburban housewife living a seemingly perfect life in Southern California, Broderick’s name became synonymous with a tragic tale of obsession and revenge after she murdered her ex-husband and his new wife in 1989. Beyond the headlines and true crime documentaries, many wonder about the financial aftermath of her infamous case.
Betty Broderick Net Worth
As of 2025, Betty Broderick’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $0. Currently serving a 32-years-to-life sentence at the California Institution for Women, Broderick has no meaningful income or assets. Whatever wealth she once had through her marriage to successful attorney Daniel Broderick III has been depleted through legal battles, settlements, and the passage of time.
The Financial Downfall
Before her crimes, Betty enjoyed a life of privilege. Her ex-husband Daniel was a highly successful medical malpractice attorney who earned millions during their marriage. Following their bitter divorce in 1989, Betty received a settlement that included $16,000 monthly in alimony and child support—a substantial sum at the time.
However, this financial security evaporated after her conviction. Legal fees for her two trials (the first ended in a hung jury) consumed most of her remaining assets. The civil wrongsuits filed by her victims’ families further eroded any wealth she might have retained.
Income Sources Behind Bars
You might wonder if Betty earns anything while incarcerated. Like most prisoners, Broderick can work prison jobs that typically pay between $0.08 and $0.37 per hour—hardly enough to accumulate any meaningful assets. Any royalties from books about her case or media portrayals generally don’t reach her directly due to “Son of Sam” laws that prevent criminals from profiting from their notoriety.
The Estate Battle
What’s particularly interesting is how the financial aftermath affected her four children. Daniel and Betty’s children were the designated beneficiaries of Daniel’s estate, estimated to be worth several million dollars at the time of his death. However, navigating this inheritance proved complicated, as their mother was responsible for their father’s death.
Could Her Net Worth Change?
At 77 years old in 2025, Broderick’s financial situation is unlikely to improve. She’s been denied parole multiple times, most recently in 2017, and will be eligible again in 2032. Even if eventually released, her earning potential would be severely limited by her age, criminal record, and the decades spent away from the workforce.
Betty Broderick’s story serves as a stark reminder of how a life of privilege can unravel completely. What began as a bitter divorce dispute ended with not just the tragic loss of two lives, but the complete financial and personal destruction of a once-affluent suburban mother.
