Ryan Phillippe seeks joint physical custody of Ava and Deacon

In a response to his estranged wife Reese Witherspoon’s November divorce petition, actor Ryan Phillippe refused to agree to Reese’s request for primary physical custody of the couple’s two children.  The May 15 filing makes an identical request for joint legal custody of the children — but goes a step further and proposes joint physical custody, meaning that time spent with 7-year-old Ava and 3-year-old Deacon would be "equally allocated" to both parents. 

Ryan will not be seeking spousal support.   

Source:  E! News Online

Thanks to CBB readers Maya, Mary Beth, Kiki and Fer.

Comments

Good for him! I have never been a huge fan of his, but I have always thought highly of him. And the no spousal support just shows that he actually loves his kids, and he isn’t just using them for more money like so many people unfortunately do.

- Shan on May 19th, 2007

Unless there is an obvious threat there, I am always in favor of children being able to spend equal time with Mom and Dad. Divorce is tough enough when you’re a child, and then you throw in, “you’ll only be able to spend time your daddy on weekends and two weeks during the summer!” Children need to spend time with their Mom and their Dad; even if the parents aren’t together anymore. Good for Ryan!

- J. on May 19th, 2007

He seems like a very involved and great father and should have joint legal and physical custody. Considering she works a ton, she should be happy he wants to take them for half the timr. She and Ryan should schedule their movies at different times –this way everybody wins.

- PSB on May 19th, 2007

The studies go back and forth on the merits of joint physical custody with regards to a child’s feelings of stability. I suspect – considering their track record as parents up to now – that both parents will work very hard to keep communication open and to be sensitive to their children’s response to all of this. (Though my gut tells me that one home being designated as primary while the children are small is best.)

- Ellen on May 19th, 2007

my parents were awarded joint custody of my sister and I, and my dad hardly NEVER used it. Let’s see if Ryan actually uses it.

- MuffThumb on May 19th, 2007

those papers dont seen real they dont have ther full real names and they havent even listed avas middile name? maybe its just me

- ange on May 19th, 2007

I hope that they settle without a big custody battle, that would be horrible on the kids. I went threw one and seeing my mom so hurt and distraught was horrible. Hopefully they see what it could be and come to an agreement before the kids get hurt.

- Cassie on May 19th, 2007

I think this is a good thing as long as they maintain positive communication for the sake of the children. Ryan is always seen spending time with his kids. I hope Reese doesn’t fight this the last thing they need is a custody battle

- ChristineM on May 20th, 2007

It’s already what they’re doing. Since Ava was born only one of them work at a time. When Reese was busy with award shows a few months ago Ryan had the kids with him.

- stephanie on May 20th, 2007

Reese always said ryan and her were 50/50 with childcare during the marriage. ever since Ava was born, they had an agreement, that when one parent was working, the other wouldnt, and would be there, primarily looking after the children, so the children would always have one parent, at least actively in their lives, while the other was busy with work. that will probably be the case still if joint custody goes through. i hope reese has changed her mind since she filed, because joint custody is the right thing to do.

as for comments, children need one primary home, to avoid confusion and maintain stability, i dont think thats true at all, certianly not in this particular case. those children have grown up with both mom and dad living with them, the best thing for a child is two active parents, who are responsible and devoted, and are in the childs lives equally. deacons probably too young to understand the ins and outs, he’ll just know, its mommy time, or daddy time, avas older and they’ll explain it to her. kids adjust very easily. ryan obviously adores his children as much as reese does, ive seen so many sets recently of him out with them, their his life, just like they are reese’s. ryan said he doesnt plan on making any more movies for a few years, because he wants to bring his children up. in no way would it be fair for a father who was with them all the time, to all of a sudden hardly see them and only get certian times for visitation. been punished simply for not been the mother, its not right. im sure the kids would want to spend equal time with both parents, i commend ryan for fighting for his children, fighting to be in their lives as much as possible. reese should agree to joint custody, in my opinion.

- ellen on May 20th, 2007

Ellen, I absolutely agree! Reese is a smart lady, I’m sure she and Ryan will do what’s best for their kids, like they always have.

- pink.lioness on May 20th, 2007