California couples with children often must determine which parent will get joint and legal custody of their children after they divorce. Physical custody generally refers to where the child will be staying, while legal custody refers to who will make decisions relating to the child’s life. Shannon Beador, one of the stars of Real Housewives of Orange County, is currently caught up in a battle with her estranged husband David over the custody of their children, as well as other divorce-related issues. The couple was married for over 17 years before separating in September 2017. The couple has three daughters, a 16-year-old and 13-year-old twins.
Shannon previously filed for divorce primary physical custody of the three children. David recently filed a response, challenging Shannon’s child custody and support requests, as well as her request for spousal support. David is seeking joint legal and physical custody of the children, where the children would stay with him 50 percent of the time.
David claims that this new arrangement would be in the best interest of the children. He claims that ever since the twins started staying with Shannon after the couple’s separation, they have refused contact with their father and refused overnight visits with their father due to concerns for their mother. David also alleged that Shannon is failing to encourage the kids to have a relationship with their father. In addition to modifying the child custody arrangement, David also asked the court to enter guideline child support and guideline temporary spousal support. He says that Shannon falsely stated that he earned five times more than she did, when in actuality, his take-home pay is less than hers.
If you are in a dispute with your ex over child custody, child support, or spousal support, it is important to continue to abide by the current court order until your modification request is approved by the court.
Source: People, “Shannon Beador’s Husband David Requests Joint Legal & Physical Custody of Kids amid Divorce,” Natalie Stone, March 12, 2018
