Dule Hill has filed for legal separation from his wife Nicole Lyn.

The West Wing star cited irreconcilable differences as the reason behind the break-down of their eight-year marriage in official papers submitted to Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Hill married the Student Bodies actress in July 2004 and the pair separated just days after their eighth wedding anniversary this summer.

The legal separation will enable both parties to live separately but remain married, while a court order will outline the rights and responsibilities of each spouse.

The couple has no minor children together and, according to court documents obtained by editors at TMZ.com, the division of assets is yet to be confirmed.