The Untold Drama of Kim Zolciak-Biermann & Kroy Biermann: Divorce, Custody Battle, and Beyond!
Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann's marriage ends in divorce, revealing a custody battle and allegations of drug use and gambling The couple's split takes a toll on their business and raises questions about the safety of their children
Content: The situation is becoming increasingly chaotic as Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann surprised both Bravo fans and celebrities with their sudden separation in May 2023.
We verified at that time that the ex-NFL player initiated the divorce proceedings after being married for over ten years. The couple, who are now estranged, exchanged vows in 2011.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum and Biermann expanded their family by welcoming son Kroy “KJ” Jr in 2011, son Kash in 2012, and twins Kaia and Kane in 2013. In addition, Biermann also adopted Zolciak-Biermann’s two daughters, Brielle and Ariana, from her previous relationships. Despite documenting their family life on the show Don’t Be Tardy, which was canceled in 2021 after eight seasons, Zolciak-Biermann emphasized that reality TV would not impact her personal life. She stated in October 2017, "Divorce is not an option in my house. I would never allow a show to affect my marriage in any way. My marriage always comes first."
The singer of "Tardy for the Party" stated that other Housewives went through divorces due to the attention and publicity that comes with being in the spotlight. She argued that it is easier to get divorced than to invest effort in a relationship.
Prior to their divorce becoming widely known, it was confirmed in February 2023 that their mansion was facing foreclosure. According to documents obtained by Us, their property at Manor Golf & Country Club in Alpharetta, Georgia, was scheduled to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
The TV personalities dismissed rumors about their assets, specifically addressing the speculation about their house. In a November 2022 Instagram Story, Zolciak-Biermann clarified that their house had not sold for $257,000, emphasizing the significant amount of money they had invested in it. She strongly disagreed with the notion that they would let go of the property at such a low price. Later on, the law office of Brock & Scott, PLLC decided to cancel the auction. Despite their separation, Biermann's divorce filing revealed that they still resided together.
"The Petitioner's May 2023 documents indicate that the minor children of the Petitioner and Respondent currently reside with the Petitioner. The Petitioner asserts that he should be granted exclusive, temporary, and permanent rights to use and occupy the marital residence. Furthermore, the Petitioner argues that the Respondent should be prohibited and restrained from entering the marital residence once she vacates."
In the wake of the surprising separation, Andy Cohen, the executive producer of Bravo, shared updates on Zolciak-Biermann's wellbeing.
Scroll down to learn all the details about the couple's breakup and the ensuing legal dispute over custody.
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Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann’s Divorce, Custody Battle and More: Everything to Know
Already getting messy. Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann shocked Bravo fans and stars alike with their May 2023 split.
The former NFL player filed for divorce after being married for over ten years, as we previously confirmed. The couple, who are now estranged, got married in 2011.
Adding to their family, the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum and Biermann welcomed their son Kroy "KJ" Jr in 2011, followed by son Kash in 2012, and twins Kaia and Kane in 2013. Additionally, the former athlete also adopted Zolciak-Biermann's two daughters, Brielle and Ariana, from her previous relationships.
Zolciak-Biermann expressed her belief that reality TV would not have an impact on her personal life during the filming of Don't Be Tardy, which ultimately ended after eight seasons in 2021. In an interview with Fox News in October 2017, she stated that divorce was not an option in her household and she would never allow a show to jeopardize her marriage. Zolciak-Biermann emphasized that her marriage always took priority over any television obligations.
During that time, the singer of "Tardy for the Party" asserted that other Housewives had experienced divorces due to the overwhelming attention and publicity that comes with being in the spotlight. She further remarked that it was seemingly easier to get divorced than to put in the effort required to maintain a healthy relationship.
Us confirmed in February 2023 that the couple's mansion was facing foreclosure. The documents obtained by Us revealed that their property at Manor Golf & Country Club in Alpharetta, Georgia, would soon be auctioned to the highest bidder.
However, the TV personalities were quick to dismiss any speculation about their assets. In a November 2022 Instagram Story, Zolciak-Biermann clarified, "I want to make it clear that my house did not sell for $257,000. If you think I would let go of a home that we've invested millions and millions of dollars into for such a low price, you're mistaken. Seriously."
Brock & Scott, PLLC, the law office handling the case, later decided to cancel the auction. Biermann's divorce filing revealed that even after their breakup, both parties continued to live together.
According to the documents filed in May 2023, "The minor children of the Petitioner and Respondent are currently residing with the Petitioner. The Petitioner argues that exclusive and uninterrupted use and possession of the marital residence should be awarded to him... Furthermore, the Petitioner requests that the Respondent be prohibited from entering the marital residence once she moves out."
After hearing about the unexpected separation, Andy Cohen, the executive producer at Bravo, expressed his sympathy for Zolciak-Biermann. Discussing the matter on SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live in May 2023, he remarked that it was a tragic situation, especially considering their children. He further added that he had always perceived them as a deeply in love couple and was genuinely shocked to receive such news. Apologizing for the news, he stated that he never anticipated this outcome, as he believed they were committed to a long-lasting relationship.
Scroll down for everything to know about the duo's split and subsequent custody battle:
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When Did Kim and Kroy Call It Quits?
Biermann's May 2023 divorce filing lists the pair's date of separation as April 30, 2023.
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Why Did Kim and Kroy Split?
According to the legal paperwork, the former athlete claimed his marriage was "irretrievably broken."
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Are Kim and Kroy Battling for Custody?
In his court filing, Biermann stated his intent to secure "full legal and physical custody" of their four children with the reality star. He also expressed a desire to gain ownership of their former home, which he currently maintains for the children's well-being.
Biermann, a resident of Montana, further requested that his estranged wife be prohibited from entering their shared home, while also seeking child support. According to the documentation, "the petitioner believes that temporary and permanent child support should be granted in accordance with the child support guidelines for the benefit of the minor children."
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Where Are Kim and Kroy Living Amid Their Divorce?
According to Biermann's divorce filing, the pair continued to live together amid their breakup.
According to his May 2023 documents, the Petitioner stated that the minor children, who are the children of both the Petitioner and Respondent, currently reside with the Petitioner. The Petitioner asserts that the Respondent should be prohibited and restrained from accessing the marital residence once she leaves.
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Have Kim or Kroy Publicly Address Their Split?
Zolciak-Biermann criticized her estranged husband in June 2023 in response to his questioning of her parenting abilities. Biermann, on the other hand, stirred controversy in May 2023 by modifying his Instagram bio to take a swipe at Zolciak-Biermann. Previously describing himself as a "Husband. Father to six perfect munchkins. Athlete. You can Google Me & see I wasn't Tardy for that Party," he now added "My ring Meant a Thing" to his profile.
Additionally, the couple has submitted numerous documents filled with accusations against each other as part of their acrimonious divorce proceedings.
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Why Does Kim Want Kroy to Get Drug-Tested?
Kolciak-Biermann filed a motion on May 16 requesting that her ex be drug-tested, per court papers obtained by Us one day later.
In the documents, the reality star alleges witnessing the Respondent smoking marijuana, expressing serious concerns about the safety and welfare of the minor children under their care. There is a fear that the children may be exposed to the Respondent's drug use.
In the motion, she has made a request for Biermann to undergo a comprehensive five-panel hair follicle drug screen. Additionally, she asks that he refrains from cutting or removing any of his hair until the screening process is finalized.
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Why Does Kroy Want Kim to Undergo a Psychological Evaluation?
According to documents obtained by Us, Biermann filed paperwork requesting that his estranged wife undergo psychological testing amid their split.
In the divorce filing, he asserted that Zolciak-Biermann’s behavior had become increasingly concerning in the months leading up to his decision. Biermann also accused the reality star of having a severe gambling addiction, which he claimed hindered her ability to effectively care for their children.
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Kroy Alleges Kim Has a Gambling Problem
According to Biermann, the father of six, Zolciak-Biermann has been using a significant amount of time and marital funds on gambling and other games of chance, which has caused severe financial distress for both parties. In documents obtained by Us in late May, Biermann stated that Kim's obsession with online gambling has made it difficult for her to properly care for their children. He also provided evidence, including checks and bank statements, amounting to thousands of dollars, to support his claims of Zolciak-Biermann's gambling habits.
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Does Kroy Have 'Control' of The Biermann's Closet Business?
The former NFL star addressed reports in June that he has taken over the family’s online storefront.
"Biermann's Closet is a family-owned business where Kim handles the selection of items to be sold, while Kroy takes care of listing and delivering these items to customers," stated Biermann's lawyer, Marlys Bergstrom, on June 2. "Up until recently, the site had seen limited activity. However, since the divorce, there has been an increase in traffic and some items, including a wig, have been sold. These wigs were specifically chosen and approved by Kim for sale on the site, but they hadn't gained much attention until now. Kroy has always been responsible for managing the logistical aspects of the site, ensuring accurate records, processing orders, and arranging shipments."
The statement further elaborated, saying, "Mr. Biermann played a significant role in the operations of Biermann's Closet. He built the website, established the Shopify platform and implemented affiliate marketing strategies with tracking links. He was involved in photographing and posting product images, writing detailed descriptions, as well as handling order reception, fulfillment, processing, and shipment."
Bergstrom made his comments the day after a source revealed that Kroy had complete control over the business and was selling Kim's wigs. According to the insider, Kim will have to rely on the court system to determine the outcome and is currently unable to take any action. Additionally, the source mentioned that Kim is in the process of establishing her own online business with a similar focus.
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Why Did Kroy Claim Kim's Friend Kidnapped Son KJ?
Biermann alleged in a 911 call made in June 2023 that he was pressing charges for the "kidnapping" of his son, KJ, who had attended the rodeo with Kim's friend, Elise Humphries. Contradicting Biermann's claims, Zolciak-Biermann made her own 911 call and stated that she had authorized Humphries to take their son to the event.
Humphries stood up for Zolciak-Biermann in response to her estranged husband's accusations of "kidnapping." On Instagram, Humphries clarified that there was no kidnapping involved and explained that she had taken KJ, who is a close friend of her daughter Alanna, to the Blairsville annual rodeo. She emphasized that Zolciak-Biermann, who she described as an incredible mother and friend, had given her permission to take KJ and had even brought him to meet Humphries and their two best friends, one of whom is Humphries' daughter. Humphries went on to assert that Biermann's claims were defamatory and slanderous.
