Madonna and her husband, film director Guy Ritchie, expect to settle their divorce by next week, according to reports.

The couple are said to be keen to reach an agreement for the sake of their family.

According to the News of the World, issues on which the couple are still divided include Ritchie’s wish for their son, Rocco, to be educated in the UK.

Madonna is said to be keen for all the children, including her daughter Lourdes and their adopted son, David, to move to New York.

A family friend told the newspaper that Lourdes, the singer’s child with dancer Carlos Leon, is acting as a peacemaker.

“Lourdes is heartbroken. Although Guy isn’t her biological dad she loves him to pieces and loves living with him in London. She wants to visit Guy as often as possible,” the friend said.

“She’s known him for most of her life, after all.”

(by Jason Gregory)