San Diego Divorce Lawyer Blog
Last month, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Adrienne Maloof was awarded temporary custody of her three children after she reportedly accused her estranged husband, Paul Nassif, of physically abusing one of the couple’s sons. On September 19th, 51-year-old Maloof filed a request for a temporary restraining order against 50-year-old Nassif alleging that one of the couple’s six-year-old twins, Colin, was choked and spanked by his father several days earlier. The request also included a declaration by a physician that stated the boy’s allegations against his father appeared to be credible. In response, a California judge ordered Nassif to move out of the couple’s home and stay at least 100 feet away from both Maloof and the children until further notice. Nassif reportedly denied all allegations of abuse.
The former couple was married in 2002 and Nassif filed for legal separation from Maloof in July 2012. The separation was followed by a petition for divorce in late August. In his divorce filing, Nassif requested joint physical custody of the couple’s three sons, nine-year-old Gavin, and six-year-old twins Colin and Christian. Prior to Maloof’s restraining order request, Nassif accused his estranged wife of both physical and verbal abuse. Previously, Maloof accused Nassif of physically abusing her and stated she was concerned for the safety of their children because Nassif allegedly carried a handgun in his briefcase. Nassif has reportedly since turned his weapons over to the Beverly Hills Police Department.
After California’s Department of Children and Family Services determined the abuse allegations against Nassif were unfounded, the plastic surgeon was awarded two supervised visits with his children. In early October, however, the former couple allegedly settled on a child custody agreement. According to several reports, Nassif will have custody of the couple’s children every other weekend. Maloof will reportedly have physical custody of the three boys at all other times. The former couple will allegedly reevaluate the arrangement in 90 days.
As evidenced by this case, the most contentious and heated divorce cases usually involve disputes over child custody and visitation. Following a mandatory mediation, a California judge will issue a parenting plan that will outline the legal and physical custody of a former couple’s children. Legal custody is usually shared between both parents and involves decision-making regarding a child’s education, health care, and general welfare. Physical custody decisions involve a child’s visitation schedule and may be jointly held or one parent may have primary physical custody while the other has visitation. In order to reduce stress and tension for everyone involved, it is important for divorcing parents to discuss their case with a capable family law attorney who will work towards creating a reasonable parenting plan.
If you have child custody questions, call Doppelt and Forney, APLC toll-free at (800) ROY IS IT (769-4748) today. Mr. Doppelt has more than 20 years of experience guiding clients through the often contentious child custody process. Mr. Doppelt is available to assist you with all of your child custody, child support, adoption, divorce, alimony, and other family law needs. Doppelt and Forney, APLC represents clients in Scripps Ranch, Encinitas, San Diego, Linda Vista, and throughout Southern California. To schedule a free confidential consultation with a experienced family law attorney, do not hesitate to contact Doppelt and Forney, APLC through the law firm’s website.
More Blogs:
When Your Spouse Says “I want a divorce” in San Diego What Happens Next: 2012, San Diego Divorce Lawyer Blog, October 11, 2012
Those Divorcing in California Should Be Wary of Discussing Their Ex Online, San Diego Divorce Lawyer Blog, October 2, 2012
Additional Resources:
Real Housewife Adrienne Maloof Wins Temporary Custody of Kids After Alleging Abuse by Paul Nassif, by Josh Grossberg and Claudia Rosenbaum, eonline.com
Adrienne Maloof Divorce: Paul Nassif Awarded Supervised Visitation, Huffington Post
Adrienne Maloof, Paul Nassif Settle Custody Dispute, US Weekly