Wade divorce on cusp of becoming finalized

MIAMI -- Dwyane Wade's divorce is expected to be finalized Friday, although the legal battle between the Miami Heat star and the mother of his two children will continue.

A judge in Chicago has ruled cause exists for a bifurcate judgment in the divorce case. That means the divorce will be granted, but a separate legal fight will likely await regarding division of the couple's finances.

Siohvaughn Wade is expected to appeal.

Details of the court's decision were first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

The couple separated in August 2007. They are scheduled to be in court in July to decide custody of their two sons, 8 and 3.

Wade is expected to become a free agent on July 1 and wants to remain with the Heat, who could offer a contract worth around $127 million.