British singer Seal filed his legal response to German supermodel wife Heidi Klum’s divorce petition, including claims which could set the couple against each other, TMZ reported.

The pair announced their split in January and Ms Klum filed for divorce in Los Angeles last week, citing “irreconcilable differences”, referring to a post-nuptial deal and seeking primary physical custody of their four children.

But Seal’s legal submission, published by the celebrity news website, makes no mention of a post-nuptial agreement, claims there are joint assets and seeks joint physical custody of their four children.

Ms Klum, believed to be worth $70 million (€53 million) according to TMZ, said in her filing to the Los Angeles Superior Court that the date of separation was January 19, 2012.

Seal, estimated to be worth $15 million (€11.5 million), gives no date of separation in his court documents. The couple vowed to be “civil” for the sake of the children when they announced their split in January, with Seal saying it was “difficult” but made easier because of their continued feelings for each other.

In her divorce papers, Ms Klum asks for joint legal custody of their four children − two boys and two girls, aged 7, 6, 5 and 2 − but says she wants primary physical custody, with Seal getting visitation rights.

The papers were made in Ms Klum’s married name Heidi Samuel − Seal is listed by his name Henry Samuel − and the German model is asking to restore her maiden name, Klum, which she always used professionally.

The couple married in 2005 and have three children. Seal, best known for hits such as Kiss From a Rose and Crazy, also adopted Ms Klum’s daughter from a previous relationship with ex-Formula One boss Flavio Briatore.