Lawyers for Johnny Depp and Amber Heard did not reach a settlement. This could mean there will be a lengthy and pricey appeal.

Heard's attorneys already suggested that the actress wants to appeal the Virginia court decision.

The last-minute settlement could have saved the ex-couple from further legal battles. Now that the settlement is off the table, it is hard to see the end of the ongoing battle, which started in 2016.

The Virginia court ordered Heard to pay over 10 million dollars to Depp, as the jurors found she defamed the actor on all three counts. In return, Depp was ordered to pay 2 million, as it was found that he defamed Heard on one count.

Judge Penney Azcarate left time for the settlement, allowing both parties to negotiate. The deadline was 24 June.

Benjamin Chew, an attorney for Johnny Depp, suggested that the actor could waive the damages if the pair could reach a settlement.

Elaine Bredehoft, Amber's attorney, revealed that her client could not afford to pay damages to her ex.

A spokesperson for Heard stated on Friday, "You don't ask for a pardon if you are innocent. And, you don't decline to appeal if you know you are right."

It is possible that Heard will not be the only one challenging the jurors' decision. Depp might t file an appeal against the 2 million he was ordered to pay.

The already lengthy legal process will continue. The cost of the damages will grow since the fees are subject to an annual 6% interest rate per year.

Heard's legal team has 30 days to appeal the defamation verdict.

The Virginia trial centered around op-ed Amber wrote in The Washington Post. In it, she wrote about first-hand experiences with sexual violence and domestic abuse, and though she did not name Depp, it was clear to everyone that she was referring to her ex-husband.

The appeal also means there will be more hit pieces in a bid to gain public sympathy, which proved to be on Depp's side as the trial progressed.