Halle Berry’s ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, has asked a judge to order the actress to pay $240,000 in legal fees. The request comes amid their ongoing custody dispute over their 13-year-old son, Maceo. In court documents, Martinez claims he cannot afford the mounting expenses. He wants Berry to cover his unpaid legal bills and future costs.
Olivier Martinez asks judge to make Halle Berry pay $240,000 in legal fees
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Martinez claims his legal expenses have increased significantly. He reports earning an average of just $776.34 per month in residuals. The actor says he owes $176,522.58 in unpaid fees and is seeking another $63,477.42 for future legal costs related to the custody battle.
In his income and expense declaration, Martinez reported estimated monthly expenses of $17,555.99 and $43,206.22 across various accounts.
The request comes after a judge recently dissolved the temporary domestic violence restraining order involving Berry. However, the court declined to restore the former couple’s 50/50 custody arrangement. Martinez retained primary physical custody of Maceo, while Berry kept joint legal custody and tie-breaking authority in parental disagreements.
The judge also barred Berry from overnight visits with their son but denied Martinez’s request to restrict her holiday custody time. The court will reconsider custody matters in November.
The dispute intensified after Martinez accused Berry of choking Maceo, which she denied. The actress also tried to prevent their son from testifying, claiming Martinez had coached him. However, Maceo eventually testified behind closed doors. The court ordered both parents to leave the courtroom during his testimony.
Martinez’s attorney, Patrick Baghdaserians, described the primary custody ruling as a “huge victory.” However, Berry’s representative emphasized that she retains joint legal custody and tie-breaking authority in parental disagreements.
