Maryland fans of Louis Tomlinson may have heard that he has been involved in a custody battle. Some sources claim that the mother of his 5-month-old child has not been allowing the One Direction star regular access. Tomlinson wants joint physical and legal custody.
Reportedly, the singer pays $15,000 per month in child support and is renting a $1 million house in California home for his son and ex. It has also been reported that the former couple had made an interim custody agreement in February.
There was no provision for overnight visits in this custody plan. Instead, there were supposed to be several hours of visitation weekly. Reports indicate that the couple planned to go to court if they were unable to reach a child custody and support agreement for the longer term. This means that a judge will also decide whether Tomlinson’s payments will continue in the same amount.
Child support and custody can be among the most contentious issues in a divorce or breakup, and many couples might try to arrive at an informal agreement as Tomlinson and his son’s mother did. Even if a couple hopes to avoid litigation, it may be best to make a legal agreement with the assistance of attorneys. This creates a protection for the parents and the child as well as a legal framework for any changes moving forward. Parents who are able to resolve conflicts without turning to a judge might be happier with the outcome and may also work together better as co-parents. However, parents might also find the courts useful if it is necessary to compel the other parent to pay support owed or adhere to agreements on parenting time.
Source: Bustle, “Louis Tomlinson Reportedly Files For Joint Custody Of Son Freddie Reign,” Allyson Koerner, June 30, 2016