Actor Stephen Collins' estranged wife Faye Grant is demanding spousal support from the former 7Th Heaven star amid allegations she has been left virtually penniless following their split last year (13).

The 66 year old filed for divorce to end 27 years of marriage in May, 2012, and actress Grant claims she has been unable to find a job after giving up her screen dreams long ago to raise the couple's daughter Kate, who was born in 1989.

Grant, 56, reveals she became accustomed to a lavish lifestyle during their relationship and she has now filed court papers requesting financial help from her ex, who earned at least $1 million (£666,700) per year while they were together, reports Tmz.com.

She is asking for an unspecified amount of spousal support, in addition to half of Collins' bank account, which holds an estimated $6 million (£4 million) from various high-profile acting gigs, including earnings from 7th Heaven and more recent appearances on shows like Revolution, Devious Maids and Scandal.

Grant is also seeking half the value of two luxury properties he owns in Brentwood, California.