1990’s Icon Recounts Child Custody Battle After Famous Film, Lost Custody Of Young Son
When we think about celebrities in the limelight who have skyrocketed to fame and success due to their roles on screen, we rarely stop to think about what might happen behind the proverbial curtain. The truth is that even Hollywood actors may face turmoil and hardships when it comes to getting a divorce, and the nature of their roles on screen, just like any activity or job, may affect their ability to gain custody of their children. In early March, 1990’s global sensation and actress of the blockbuster film ‘Basic Instinct’ Sharon Stone opened up about losing the child custody battle over her then 4-year-old son, Roan. The primary reason for losing custody of her son, according to Ms. Stone, was the fact that she had filmed nude scenes in her break out role as the ‘Basic Instincts’ character Catherine Tramell. Ms. Stone’s child custody battle during her 2004 divorce highlights the importance of child custody proceedings in the divorce process, and the factors that judges considered, and still may consider when determining the “best interests of the child”, whether seemingly fair or not.
What is “Child Custody” and How is it Determined?
At the outset, “child custody” refers to who has certain responsibilities and rights with regard to a child that was born (or adopted) in a marriage. There are two types of child custody issues that must be determined in Chicago divorces, physical child custody and legal child custody. Physical child custody is perhaps the most well-known type of child custody, and it refers to who the child will physically live with. Legal custody refers to the rights of a custodial parent to make certain important decisions about a child’s life, such as regarding their religious practices, medical issues, and education. In Chicago, judges consider the “best interests of the child”, and not of the parents, when it comes to determining physical and legal custody issues. In Ms. Stone’s divorce, which was filed in San Francisco Superior Court, the judge reportedly rejected Ms. Stone’s arguments for custody of her son, citing as a reason the fact that she had appeared nude on film in ‘Basic Instinct’, and, according to Ms. Stone, “weaponizing” those scenes against her in the divorce proceedings.
Help with Child Custody Issues in Your Chicago Divorce
Fortunately, Ms. Stone’s story ends on a positive note. Ms. Stone and Roan, who is now in his early 20’s, are reported to have a good relationship. However, Ms. Stone’s story emphasizes the complex nature of the divorce process, especially when it comes to child custody issues.
If you are seeking a divorce or need help with child custody issues in your Chicago divorce, it is important to speak with an experienced Chicago custody lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights. The experienced Chicago child custody lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC are here to help, and offer a confidential consultation to learn about your case. Contact Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC today and speak to a lawyer about your rights to child custody in your Chicago divorce.
Source:
washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/03/09/sharon-stone-basic-instinct-custody-son/
