Denise Richards Ordered to Pay Ex $5K Monthly Amid Abuse Allegations

In a recent court decision dated Thursday, February 26, 2026, Judge Nicole Bershon ordered Denise Richards to pay her ex-husband, Aaron Phypers, $5,000 per month in temporary spousal support. This ruling also requires Richards to pay $30,000 towards Phypers' attorney's fees, with the first $10,000 due by the end of March 2026.

The spousal support payment is allocated to cover Phypers' rent, car, food, and miscellaneous expenses. This financial obligation pertains solely to the divorce proceedings and does not cover Phypers' criminal defense. Phypers faces four felony counts, including allegations of injuring a spouse and dissuading a witness, stemming from Denise Richards' domestic violence claims.

Richards expressed significant distress over the ruling, stating she could "barely pay" for her own attorney and has been financially depleted. Her legal team highlighted the extraordinary costs of caring for her 14-year-old daughter, Eloise, who has a rare chromosomal disorder. The defense argued that victims of abuse should not be required to financially support their alleged abusers, especially given the permanent restraining order Richards secured in November 2025 following claims of severe physical and verbal abuse.

Phypers' attorney countered that Phypers has not yet been convicted of the charges. The court's decision to order spousal support to an individual facing such serious allegations has drawn criticism.