- 4
- February
2013
Californians not alone in custody battles: The stars do it too
Reality television star Bethenny Frankel and husband have been in the media for years; formerly for their marriage in “Bethenny Ever After,” and now for their divorce. The two have been reported on as disagreeing on the terms of their divorce among other things. A few weeks after his wife filed for divorce, Jason Hoppy reacted with his own version of their divorce, requesting many of the same things that Frankel did in her papers, especially the custody of their daughter.
Californians have likely heard of the couple, and for those who have gone through a divorce of your own, you likely understand the pain that can come from having to go through the legal system to work out where your children will live. When parents disagree, however, working with an attorney who knows and understand family law may be able to help the process go more smoothly and for the parties to come to an agreement sooner.
Frankel and Hoppy have both reportedly requested that they be awarded full custody of their 2-year-old daughter, that they will receive spousal support and child support from their former spouse and that they will be included in their former spouse’s life insurance policies, as will their daughter. Such mirrored filings could result in a lengthy custody dispute.
Understanding the different aspects looked at and discussed in child custody matters could help a parent to know what is expected of them and what could help their case. Things such as keeping documentation of any and all financial and physical support you have offered your children and your employment situation could prove to have significant impact on how you are perceived as a custodial parent.
First and foremost, however, is the welfare of the children, and that is what would be looked at most should the process go through the courts. California residents in a similar situation to Frankel and Hoppy’s may wish to learn about their options by contacting an attorney in order to put forth the best presentation of their fitness as a parent.
Source: latimes.com, "Jason Hoppy echoes Bethenny Frankel’s divorce demands," Christie D’Zurilla, Jan. 24, 2013