These days, a person can leave a marriage, but the likelihood of them leaving with all of their money is slim.
After filing for divorce from husband Stephen Belafonte just shy of 10 years together, and revealing in her divorce declaration that Belafonte was violent and vindictive during their marriage, Belafonte has finally responded — in court that is.
According to TMZ, Belafonte filed an official response to her petition for divorce and in it, made a request for spousal support. It’s reportedly too early for him to ask for a specific number, but he made it clear that he’s not walking away without being provided support. He also asks that Mel B, born Melanie Brown, be ordered to pay his lawyer’s fees.
The interesting thing about their individual divorce petitions is that they differ greatly on the date of separation. Brown said they originally separated on December 28 of last year. Belafonte, however, claims that they didn’t part ways until March 1, 2017. According to TMZ, the dates matter in issues of divvying up property. TMZ also states that based on the language in both petitions, it seems that there may not have been a prenup put in place by the famous singer and TV personality.
As for their daughter Madison, Belafonte is seeking joint legal custody of the 5-year-old. Brown was initially open to joint custody and requested it, but in her latest divorce declaration, where she shared information about incidents of abuse, she stated that she now wants sole legal and physical custody of Madison. TMZ said that it is unclear if she wants sole custody just for the short term, or if she wants to permanently limit Belafonte’s exposure to Madison.
In case you were wondering, Belafonte does have a career in entertainment, like his wife. He’s a producer and director, and he’s worked on projects like 2005’s Thank You For Smoking, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, The Mutant Chronicles and the TV show I Pity the Fool. With that being said, the 41-year-old has some dough — it’s just not as much as his estranged wife. Hence his desire for spousal support.
Image via WENN
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