What it is about
Halle Berry is pursuing sole legal custody over educational and medical decisions for her 10-year-old son Maceo. She alleges that her ex-husband Olivier Martinez has been neglecting Maceo’s behavioral issues and education, focusing instead on extracurricular activities like soccer.
Why it Matters
Berry argues that proper parental involvement and support are essential for Maceo’s well-being. Her bid for sole custody highlights ongoing issues regarding the well-being of children in joint custody arrangements when parents have significant differences in their approaches to parenting.
Citing Serious Concerns
Berry accuses Martinez of not addressing Maceo’s behavior problems and putting sports over academics. She also claims that Martinez speaks negatively about her to Maceo and displays generally unstable behavior.
Background
Berry and Martinez tied the knot in 2013, had Maceo in 2014, and separated a year later. Their 2023 divorce settlement included a custody arrangement featuring co-parenting therapy and an $8,000 monthly child support payment from Berry.
Disputes and Challenges
Despite both parents’ deep love for their son, the co-parenting arrangement has proven difficult due to Martinez’s alleged uncooperativeness and competing personal priorities. Berry claims these behavior patterns harm Maceo’s upbringing. On the other hand, Martinez’s team accuses Berry of leveraging her wealth and legal resources to control him.
Failed Therapy and Legal Battles
Their attempts at making co-parenting therapy successful soon faltered. Berry most recently lost a legal bid to compel Martinez into co-parenting therapy but remains resolved to adjust the custody arrangement to better support Maceo’s growth and feelings of security.
Continuing Responsibilities
Berry, who shares another child with ex-partner Gabriel Aubrey, stresses that she has always acted in her children’s best interests. While promoting her new Netflix film “The Union,” she continues to aim for her son’s stable and supportive future.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.