As holiday revelers bust open the boxes of fireworks and throw another shrimp on the barbie, other people may be answering texts from their divorce lawyers. Yes, 2012 has been like any other year in Hollywood, with as many breakups as hookups.

A look back at a few famous women for whom Independence Day has special meaning.

Katie Holmes: This was one split we didn’t necessarily see coming. The actress’ announcement that she was bolting her marriage with Tom Cruise was shocking in part because they have a young daughter, Suri, and a divorce will no doubt be on the complicated side. It can’t be enviable, hashing out the division of assets with the biggest movie star in the world. Establishing her residence in NYC is on the top of Holmes’ priority list right now.

Why now? Scientology may be the reason. Sources tell TMZ that the former Dawson’s Creek star was terrified that Cruise would try to force Suri to attend the church’s SeaOrg, an indoctrination camp for kids.

Vanessa Paradis: Don’t worry about this French chanteuse. Johnny Depp’s mate of 14 years has moved on. Her new man is reportedly fellow singer Matthieu Chedid with whom Paradis has collaborated in the past. As Depp rides into the sunset with rumored lover Amber Heard (literally: he bought her a horse), the actor will be about $150 million poorer. According to the UK’s Sun the Dark Shadows star is paying off the mother of his two children to keep the whole thing amicable. Time to shop.

Courteney Cox: Though she and David Arquette announced their separation in October 2010, neither party took major action. That is until last month when David filed for divorce, for the sake of his girlfriend, celebrity reporter Christina McLarty. As for Cox, forget the hyphenation. The ex Friends star will legally drop her ex’s name once the Scream costars’ dissolution of marriage is finalized. Next!

Jennie Garth: Can’t exes all get along? Sometimes. Despite her sadness over splitting with Peter Facinelli after 11 years, the ex 90210-er Tweeted a Happy Father’s Day to the Twilight star. The parents of three are also splitting their legal fees. The Little Bit Country star admitted it was Facinelli, whose career has been on the upswing, who brought up the idea of divorce last fall yet she was “resistant.”

Demi Moore: No matter what happens and what substances she inhales, the renegade actress still looks like a million bucks. She hasn’t been linked to anyone new — even though ex Ashton Kutcher has moved on with former That ’70s Show costar Mila Kunis — so it’s Moore Time. Last month, she was linked to Magic Mike’s Joe Manganiello.

Bonus round: Eva Longoria isn’t moping over Eduardo Cruz. The NY Post has pegged the actress with Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sshh, it’s a secret.

Madeleine Marr