Halle Berry's ex-husband Olivier Martinez seeking increased child support?
What's the story
The ongoing custody battle between Halle Berry and her ex-husband Olivier Martinez has taken a new turn. A source close to Berry told Page Six, "Olivier keeps going back to court asking Halle for more money. It's been going on for years." "He's been fighting for more custody of Maceo (their son), which could mean Halle has to pay him even more child support." "The feeling is that this is more about money than anything else."
Legal proceedings
Berry pays Martinez $8,000 monthly in child support
Martinez, 60, recently filed a request with a Los Angeles judge for increased child support from Berry, also 60.
The court documents, filed on Monday, November 9 and obtained by the outlet, revealed that the actor believes their custody arrangement has changed significantly since their divorce in 2023.
Initially, Berry was ordered to pay Martinez $8,000 monthly in child support plus an additional 4.3% of any income over $2 million.
Custody change
The actor revealed his average monthly income
Martinez argued that he now has their son Maceo, 13, about 82% of the time, unlike their previous arrangement where they shared equal custody.
His lawyers contended that the current child support payments don't reflect the increased time Maceo spends with him.
The actor also revealed his average monthly income from acting residuals was only $776.34 over the last year.
Financial details
He listed his estimated monthly expenses
Martinez listed his estimated monthly expenses at $17,555.99, including $3,500 for entertainment, gifts, and vacations.
He claimed to owe over $176,000 in legal fees to his attorneys.
His lawyers argued that Maceo deserves to live a lifestyle similar to Berry's and that she should pay child support based on her earnings and the new custody arrangement.
Legal stance
His attorney insists that the primary concern is Maceo's welfare
Despite the financial implications, Martinez's attorney, Patrick Baghdaserians, insisted that his client's primary concern is their son's welfare.
He told Page Six, "My client was awarded custody per Family Code Section 6340."
"His motivation has always been the health, safety, and welfare of the minor child."
Custody agreement
Berry continues to have daytime visits with Maceo
Despite the ongoing disputes, Martinez still has primary physical custody of Maceo under a modified custody arrangement, after he accused Berry of choking their son during an alleged confrontation.
Berry has been granted daytime visits without overnight stays. The couple continues to share legal custody.
Their marriage lasted from 2013 until their separation in 2015 and divorce in August 2023.