Christina and Tarek El Moussa, stars of the popular HGTV show “Flip or Flip,” have officially ended their marriage. The former couple, who was married in 2009, decided to separate after an argument in December of 2016 resulted in a call to the police and guns being seized from the couple’s home. In January of 2017, Tarek filed a divorce petition, asking for joint physical and legal custody of the couple’s two young children. Christina responded to the petition in August of 2017, also requesting joint custody. The parties have reached an agreement and the divorce has been finalized.
The parties cited “irreconcilable differences” as their reason for divorce. The couple has also admitted to communication issues and ongoing stress caused by Tarek’s cancer battles and Christina’s fertility issues. Both parents seemed to be interested in co-parenting and working together to do what is best for the children.
When a couple separates, it can be difficult to put aside emotion to do what is best for the children. However, when a couple agrees to joint custody, both physical and legal, it is important that both parties stay focused on raising the children in a stable, healthy environment. Joint physical custody essentially means that both parents will get an equal amount of time with the children in person. Joint legal custody means that both parents will play an equal role in decision making with regards to the children. For example, both parents will share equal responsibility when it comes to deciding what extracurricular activities the children will participate in, what religion, if any, the children will be raised as and the health care the children will receive.
California courts tend to encourage joint custody, as it is often beneficial to the children if both parents are equally involved in their upbringing. However, it may not be the best choice for all families.
Source: Page Six, “‘Flip or Flop’ stars finalize divorce,” Jessica Sager, Jan. 22, 2018
