This doesn't sound good!

Nicole Richie has been exploring the next option in ending her marriage to Joel Madden by consulting a divorce lawyer, In Touch reports.

"Nicole recently met with one of LA’s most prominent divorce attorneys and is weighing her options," a source dished to the mag. Rumors surfaced that the socialite and the Good Charlotte rocker were close to splitting, and sources revealed at the time they were holding on by a thread for the sake of their children Harlow, 7, and Sparrow, 5. The pair have been married four years.

Among their issues? Their busy schedules and co-parenting their kids.

"The last thing she wants is a public split with the children involved, but she’s desperately unhappy," the source added. "It’s better for everyone right now if they just stay apart because it’s really not working anymore. It’s very obvious to friends that a divorce announcement will probably be happening soon," the insider continued.

We polled our readers last week and 61% of you said Nicole and Joel will work it out for the sake of the kids, while 39% of you believe their marriage is over.