A California judge has ruled that actress Denise Richards must pay her estranged husband Aaron Phypers $5,000 a month in temporary spousal support amid their ongoing divorce. The decision also requires Richards to contribute $30,000 toward Phypers' legal fees related to the case. Phypers, who faces felony charges he denies, stated in court that the support will help his situation.
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers, married from 2018 to 2025, separated last summer, sparking divorce proceedings that reached a key hearing this week. On Thursday, Judge Nicole Bershon ordered Richards, 55, to provide Phypers, 53, with $5,000 monthly temporary spousal support. The judge broke it down: $2,000 for rent, $1,000 for a car, $1,000 for food, and the rest for miscellaneous expenses.
In addition, Richards must pay $30,000 toward Phypers' attorney fees for the divorce only—not his criminal defense. This amount comes in three installments, starting with $10,000 due by the end of March. Phypers is facing four felony counts: two for injuring a spouse and two for dissuading a witness by force or threat. He has denied the allegations.
During the hearing, Phypers shared he had just $200 to his name and noted the ruling would 'certainly help,' adding he's taking things 'one day at a time.' Richards reportedly muttered she couldn't 'afford' the payments and told the court she could 'barely pay for (her) attorney,' having 'blown through everything' earned during the marriage. She added she has 'nothing' invested.
Richards' lawyer, Mark Gross, highlighted the 'pretty extraordinary' costs of caring for their 14-year-old daughter Eloise, who has a rare chromosomal disorder causing developmental delays. Gross argued, 'Victims of abuse shouldn’t be required to support their abuser,' pointing to the permanent restraining order Richards received against Phypers in November 2025. Phypers' attorney countered that he hasn't been convicted of the charges.
In January, Richards posted on Instagram about a 'painful year' of 'letting go (and) truths being exposed,' writing, 'As painful as it is, I’m so grateful for the clarity.' Richards shares daughters Sami and Lola with ex-husband Charlie Sheen; Phypers was previously married to Nicolette Sheridan until their 2018 divorce.
With finances laid bare in court, one can't help but wonder: how much more tea will this split spill?
