NICOLE Kidman has taken the first step to "protect herself" in her divorce, but is going to need a strong support system to help her through the process, an expert has warned.

The actress, 58, is said to have fought tooth and nail to save her marriage to husband Keith Urban , 57.

But she filed for divorce on Tuesday afternoon, a day after TMZ reported the bombshell separation after 19 years together.

According to the outlet, Nicole cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the divorce and wants to remain the "primary residential parent of the minor children."

The couple has two daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14.

Nicole is also mom to Isabella and Connor, whom she adopted during her marriage with her ex-husband, Tom Cruise .

Both Nicole and Keith have

See Full Page