Bethenny Frankel Divorce Case Heats Up Child Custody Battle

Realty television star and talk show host Bethenny Frankel was in a Manhattan courthouse earlier this month for divorce proceedings. Frankel is in the process of divorcing her estranged husband Jason Hoppy, who she separated from in January.

Radar Online reported that the former couple is fighting over custody of their three-year-old daughter Bryn, with the case headed for trial, as the pair have been unable to reach an agreement.

Bethenny is still seeking sole physical custody of Bryn, whereas Jason wants joint custody, a source told Radar Online. “The judge indicated it would be in Bethenny’s best interests if she were to sign off on an agreement, instead of rolling the dice at trial. She didn’t deal.”

The source told Radar Online that the talk show host wanted to “roll the dice” and that a trial could begin as soon as December. A source close to Hoppy told the news outlet that Hoppy is “perplexed” as to why she wants him removed from their daughter’s life.

“How could it have remained amicable when Bethenny is doing that? Did she honestly believe Jason would just walk away from their daughter?” the source told Radar Online “There is no way he would ever do that. If it means going to trial, Jason is willing to take his chances.”

It is interesting that Frankel wants to “roll the dice” in this case. Barring special statutes that disqualify a parent from custody over criminal charges or domestic violence in the home, child custody is usually determined based on the best interest of the child. This case shows how important to issues like child custody and visitation, division of marital assets, alimony and child support, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements become in a separation or divorce.

We will listen to your wishes and assist you compassionate counsel when it comes to matters of child custody and divorce. Our attorneys have four decades of family law experience and will provide you with unsurpassed advice when it comes to the interests of your children. To speak with Paul B. Goldhamer and his associates, call our toll-free phone number at (866) 971-0927.

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. – Bergen County Divorce Attorneys