As many divorcing parents in California can likely attest to, determining a child custody arrangement can be challenging. Parents do not always agree on what constitutes the best interests of the child. Disputes surrounding these matters can become heated, but they are often resolvable. Sometimes a resolution comes in the form of joint custody, while other times it may mean one parent being awarded sole physical custody of the child.
A woman who is famous for being one-half of the couple behind a Hollywood fitness craze — a fitness club that has seen the likes of Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba — is filing for divorce. According to reports, she is seeking physical custody of the couple’s children. The couple has two children, both of them minors. They had been married since 1997.
The woman makes claims in legal documents obtained by the press that she had been a victim to her husband’s physical abuse for years. Her husband, she alleges, is a habitual alcohol and drug abuser whose destructive behavior had endangered her life and the lives of her children. She makes the case that she should be awarded physical custody of the children while her husband is treated for his drug and alcohol issues.
Every child custody case is unique. In some cases, it may be glaringly apparent who should be awarded physical custody. Judges will look at both parent’s histories and if there is drug abuse or physical violence present they will factor these facts into their decisions. Knowing what to expect in a child custody proceeding can help parents prepare to fight for their goals.
Source: TMZ, “Barry’s Bootcamp Founders Epic Divorce Meltdown He’s a Physically Abusive Drunk Pill Head,” May 5, 2014
