Tom Cruise Divorce Negotiations

Tom Cruise Divorce Negotiations: Suri the Key Factor

Suri Cruise likely holds the key to divorce settlement talks between Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, even if the six-year-old has no idea of this fact.

Lawyers for both sides are trying to work out a settlement that would avoid a costly, ugly, protracted and public court dispute between them.

Custody of young Suri could make or break that deal, as Tom insists any deal offers him "meaningful, significant contact with his daughter."

One source put it, "She is the primary concern in his life."

Katie filed for sole custody in June, reportedly prompted by fears that Tom's Scientology beliefs would become a central component of her life.

Tom's people have disputed this, albeit without really elaborating.

Regardless, Holmes' camp reportedly has assured Tom he will be able to spend time with his daughter when he finishes his new movie shoot.

Lawyers for both sides met for a full business day on Saturday, working on not just a temporary stopgap but a settlement for the divorce.

Attorneys are negotiating custody, visitation, support and property settlement, and while the tone has been "calm," things are still in flux.

In other words, a deal could get done, or talks could break down at any time. But for the moment, no one is rushing to the courtroom.