Monica Conyers, John Conyers divorcing after 25 years

One of Detroit's most high-profile political couples is splitting up.

Congressman John Conyers has been served with divorce papers from his wife, Monica.  After 25 years and two sons, it appears this very public marriage is ending.

For years there have been rumors and speculation about the relationship and now it looks like there is something to that.

Controversy always seemed to follow Monica Conyers, the once outspoken Detroit city council member who ended up serving time in prison for her part in the city's bribery scandal.

Although her marriage to longtime U.S. Rep. John Conyers, 35 years her senior, had been under scrutiny from the start, they stayed together until now as Conyers, 51, filed for divorce.

The 86-year-old congressman chose not to come to the door as he prepared for a Detroit red carpet event; instead his son offered a personal perspective.

"I know my dad very well he's not going to want to speak about it," said one of the Conyers' sons. "I don't really have an opinion about it. As long as my parents are happy, I don't really care. He is getting ready for an event so you will have to catch him another time."

Monica Conyers filed for divorce last month, citing "a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed."

FOX 2 is told the family remains under the same roof at least when the congressman is in Detroit.

FOX 2: "Why now?"

"That's a question, that, I don't know if there is an accurate answer for that," said John Conyers' attorney Arnold Reed.

Reed, who once represented former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, could not - or would not - detail any specific reason for the downfall of the marriage.

"My client cares about his family," Reed said. "My client is going about his business as usual and still trying to serve the people and be the father he is to his children, and do what he can to make sure this stays amicable."

And so far it has. Monica Conyers' attorney Daniel Findling, who also wouldn't reveal a reason, went as far as saying reconciliation down the road isn't out of the question.

"I do know there is a lot of love in the family," Findling said. "Mrs. Conyers loves her husband and that doesn't mean the marriage is necessarily successful. It means that this is a struggle and we're going to be working through that struggle and find out where it takes us."

Both attorneys say if you get to this point, there is obviously a problem in the marriage but the outcome may not be a divorce - maybe something like a post marital agreement.

That would mean the couple stays legally married but agree on terms that would allow them to lead separate lives - which the couple has been accused of all along.

They will next be in court this December.