Dean McDermott Seeks Joint Custody and Spousal Support Following Tori Spelling's Divorce Petition

Dean McDermott responded to Tori Spelling's divorce filing by submitting his own paperwork. He filed his response on Monday, May 13, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. However, McDermott noted a different separation date compared to Spelling's initial filing.

Months after Spelling officially requested to end their marriage, McDermott finally responded. On March 29, it was confirmed that Spelling filed the paperwork, stating June 17, 2023, as their separation date. McDermott's paperwork, on the other hand, listed July 7, 2023, as per court documents obtained by Us.

Since getting married in 2006, Spelling and McDermott have faced many challenges in the public eye. The couple, who have sons Liam, 16, Finn, 11, and Beau, 6, as well as daughters Stella, 15, and Hattie, 12, have been the subject of split rumors multiple times. In the filing, Spelling requested full custody of their children, while McDermott asked for joint legal and physical custody.

McDermott requested spousal support for himself and requested the court to stop Spelling's spousal support. In her initial filing, the actress did the same, placing the pair on opposite sides.

In June 2023, McDermott surprised people by posting a split announcement, which he later deleted. This occurred on the same day that Spelling had listed as their date of separation. (She later mentioned that the breaking point was when she threw a baked potato during their final argument, as discussed on her “Misspelling” podcast last month.)

With a heavy heart, after 18 years together and raising 5 wonderful children, @torispelling and I have decided to part ways and embark on separate journeys. We will co-parent our children with love and support during this challenging time. Please respect our privacy as we navigate through this. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Dean McDermott Responds to Tori Spelling Divorce Filing Family

McDermott later revealed that his previous struggles with substance abuse played a role in his separation from Spelling.

Alcohol used to make me feel good. I kept feeling good until it reached a point where it didn't anymore. This led to me feeling isolated," he shared with the Daily Mail in December 2023. "I ended up drinking a fifth of tequila every night, seven days a week, along with a handful of prescription medications, all by myself, while my beautiful family was in the other room.

According to McDermott, this behavior led to a sense of brokenness and contributed to the problems between him and Tori. He reached a breaking point where he couldn't continue living that way. The constant anger and yelling became too much for him to bear.

Spelling shared her side of the story on her “Misspelling” podcast, which she recorded the same day as the divorce filing. During the first episode, which debuted on April 1, Spelling called McDermott to tell him their divorce was official.

On the podcast, Spelling informed McDermott about the divorce while he was getting ready to go to work. She mentioned that it was just a formality and that he would need to sign some paperwork. Spelling also asked McDermott about his lawyer and questioned how the news of their divorce would be portrayed.

Spelling explained why she chose to be the one to file first. She felt that since everything had already been publicly shared in the Daily Mail, including all the things done to her over the years, it made sense for her to take the next step and file. These were things she would never have talked about, but they were already out there because of the other person.

Editor's P/S:

The divorce proceedings between Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott have taken a complex turn with each party filing their own paperwork. McDermott's response, citing a later separation date, raises questions about the timeline of their split. The couple's public struggles, including McDermott's substance abuse issues, have undoubtedly contributed to their marital breakdown.

McDermott's request for spousal support and his opposition to Spelling's request for sole custody of their children highlights the contentious nature of their divorce. Spelling's decision to file first, despite McDermott's surprise announcement, indicates her determination to take control of the situation. The fact that their divorce was discussed openly on Spelling's podcast adds another layer of scrutiny and public involvement to this already tumultuous process.