Denise Richards says she ‘can’t afford’ to pay spousal support to ex after judge’s order
Denise Richards has been ordered to pay temporary spousal support amid her ongoing legal battle with estranged husband Aaron Phypers.
On Thursday, Judge Nicole Bershon directed the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star to pay $5,000 per month in temporary spousal support, along with $30,000 to cover Phypers’ attorney’s fees.
Richards appeared visibly distressed as the ruling was handed down, telling the court, “I can’t afford it.” She addressed her financial situation, explaining that during her marriage to Phypers from 2018 to 2025, she “was blowing through everything” she earned. “I could barely pay a retainer for my attorney,” Richards said.
When asked about investments, Richards stated she had “nothing.” She noted that she had mutual funds in various IRAs that were opened when she was in her 20s, but claimed former business managers failed to provide her with information about their whereabouts. Her attorney, Mark Gross, also told the court that Richards has a special needs child and emphasized that “the costs are pretty extraordinary.”
The court heard that Richards has been paying $4,800 in back rent on behalf of Phypers in an effort to avoid a potential lawsuit. “He’s not going to pay it,” she said. Judge Bershon proposed a payment schedule of $10,000 per month for three months, with the first payment due at the end of March. Richards and her attorney agreed to the arrangement.
The judge also specified that none of the $30,000 in attorney’s fees awarded should be used for Phypers’ criminal defense. He is currently facing four felony charges related to alleged violence against Richards. Phypers has denied all allegations.
Regarding the $5,000 monthly support, the judge outlined a suggested breakdown: $2,000 for rent, $1,000 for a vehicle, $1,000 for food, and the remainder for miscellaneous expenses.
The proceedings also touched on Richards’ OnlyFans account. Phypers’ attorney, Michael Finley, argued that his client should receive half of the income from the platform, claiming Phypers took the photos and that the content constitutes his intellectual property.
After the hearing, Phypers and Finley declined to discuss potential earnings from the account. “I don’t think we want to get into that at this time. It appears Ms. Richards is trying to keep that kind of information about her income more private,” Finley said.
Earlier in the day, Phypers stated that he had only $200 to his name. When asked whether the $5,000 monthly support would make a difference, he responded, “It’ll certainly help. One day at a time right now.”
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