Dennis Hopper Dies, But Divorce Battle Is JUST Sparking Up.

Dennis Hopper had been desperately trying to divorce Victoria Hopper — he filed in January — but the clock ticked too quickly, and the divorce was not final when he died this morning.

Why the race to split up?  Under the prenup, Victoria gets 25% of Dennis’ fortune and a $250,000 life insurance payout — but only if they were married and living together when Dennis died.

That ‘living together’ part is critical because Victoria has been living in a separate house, on the same property as Dennis. Sources tell us Victoria will argue that since she was on the property, she was living with Dennis — and is therefore entitled to the big payout.

Dennis’ high powered attorney Joe Mannis isn’t surprised, saying “She said she would challenge it, and I fully expect her to do so.”

The divorce action is officially over now and this all moves to probate court — where both sides say they’re gonna fight.

-”The BklynBandette.” Mr. Hollywood’s Co-Defendant.