In a legal development that has drawn significant attention, Aaron Phypers has formally requested a judge to order his estranged wife, actress Denise Richards, to provide him with immediate spousal support, despite facing pending domestic violence charges. The court filing, submitted in February 2026, presents arguments that challenge conventional considerations in spousal support determinations.
Legal Arguments Focus on Financial Need
According to the court documents, Phypers maintains that the determination of spousal support should be based solely on two factors: his financial need and Richards' ability to pay. His legal team asserts that allegations of domestic violence during the marriage should not influence the court's decision regarding financial support, particularly because no criminal conviction has been secured and the case remains in the judicial system.
Phypers has entered a plea of not guilty to the domestic violence charges and continues to deny all allegations of abuse made by Richards. This legal stance forms the foundation of his argument that the pending criminal matter should remain separate from civil spousal support considerations.
Financial Disparity Claims
The court filing emphasizes a significant income disparity between the former spouses. Phypers claims he currently lacks stable income, while Richards maintains substantial earnings through multiple revenue streams, including reality television appearances and content creation on subscription-based platforms.
In an additional claim that adds complexity to the proceedings, Phypers argues he is entitled to compensation for his contributions to Richards' online content business. He asserts that he photographed content for her subscription platform and should receive a fifty-percent share of the profits, characterizing the photographs as his intellectual property. Furthermore, he claims he was promised compensation for appearing on Richards' reality television program but never received payment.
Background of the Case
Richards and Phypers married in 2018, and their separation occurred in 2025. The dissolution of their marriage has been marked by serious allegations, with Richards obtaining a restraining order against Phypers. The actress, known for her role in the film "Wild Things" and various television projects, has maintained her position regarding the alleged domestic violence incidents.
The criminal charges against Phypers remain active, adding a layer of complexity to the divorce proceedings. Legal experts note that spousal support cases involving concurrent criminal matters present unique challenges for family court judges, who must balance statutory requirements for financial support with considerations of alleged misconduct.
Legal Implications
This case raises important questions about how family courts should weigh pending criminal allegations when determining spousal support. While Phypers' legal team argues that only financial factors should be considered, courts typically have discretion to examine the totality of circumstances when making support determinations.
The outcome of this case may have broader implications for how similar situations are handled in family law proceedings. As the legal process continues, both the civil divorce proceedings and the criminal case will likely progress on separate but potentially intersecting tracks, with the court ultimately determining whether Phypers' request for immediate spousal support will be granted despite the pending domestic violence charges.