LOS ANGELES, US - Professional basketball great Shaquille O'Neal's wife of seven years has filed for
legal separation with the intention of seeking a divorce, according to court papers made public on Tuesday.

The petition, citing irreconcilable differences as grounds for the split, was entered on Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeking spousal support for Shaunie O'Neal and custody of the couple's four children, who range in age from three to nine years-old.

Celebrity news website TMZ.com said the O'Neal family had been living in Florida. But Shaunie O'Neal recently pulled the children out of school in that state and moved with them back to Los Angeles, where courts tend to be more generous in awarding child and spousal support, TMZ reported.

Shaquille O'Neal previously filed for divorce in 2007, but the couple was reported to have reconciled. They were married in December 2002.

Shaunie's petition this week lists the date of their latest separation as Monday and says she intends to amend her filing to seek a divorce.

The 7-foot 1-inch (2.13 meters) athlete, widely known as "Shaq," began his pro career with the Orlando Magic and later helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships, in 2000, 2001 and 2002, before he was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004.

After winning a fourth championship in Miami in 2006, Shaq was traded to the Phoenix Suns, then traded again during the latest off-season to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he now is playing alongside LeBron James.

The 15-time All-Star center and future Hall of Famer also has developed a successful media career, currently starring in an ABC television reality show called "Shaq Vs.," in which he competes against athletes in other sports. --REUTERS