Kelly Clarkson Faces Custody Battle Amidst Divorce From Brandon Blackstock

Kelly Clarkson is facing a classic good news/bad news situation in the midst of her divorce from soon-to-be ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. The good news is that a judge has awarded her de facto primary custody of their two kids, as reported by TMZ. However, the bad news is that in response to this decision, Blackstock has filed a request for a staggering $436,000 a month in child and spousal support.

Breaking down this amount, Blackstock is seeking $135,000 in child support and $301,000 in spousal support. This figure is significant, but it doesn’t stop there; he is also reportedly requesting an additional $2 million to cover legal fees. The financial demands in this divorce case have drawn much attention, highlighting the complexities surrounding celebrity divorces.

The dispute has arisen from Blackstock's desire to live in Montana while Clarkson remains in Los Angeles. He proposed that the children split their time between the two locations. However, Clarkson's lawyer argued that this arrangement would not be ideal for the kids, who have never lived in Montana. The judge sided with Clarkson, stating, "The court finds that the minor children are not now and have not been residents of Montana and that California is their home state."

Although they will still have joint custody, the children will primarily reside with Clarkson in Los Angeles. Blackstock will need to be present in Los Angeles for two out of three designated weekends each month, with an option for them to visit Montana once a month. The custody agreement includes stipulations such as no negative comments about each other in front of the kids and restrictions on drinking or drug use within eight hours of transporting them.

As this case progresses, a judge will ultimately determine if Blackstock will receive the requested $436,000 monthly in support as Clarkson and Blackstock's divorce approaches its finalization.