Trigger Warning: This article includes discussion of alleged domestic abuse.
The court system works in strange ways, and this latest ruling in Denise Richards’ divorce trial is the latest example. Although her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, was arrested for allegedly committing domestic violence against her, a judge has ordered the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars to fork over spousal support each month. The news arrives after Aaron said he was on the brink of homelessness following his split from Denise.
Aaron Phypers has been granted temporary spousal support by a judge
TMZ reviewed the latest court documents on Denise’s nightmare of a divorce. Earlier this week, a judge ordered Denise to pay Aaron $5,000 per month in temporary spousal support while they wait for the divorce to be finalized. Every month on the 5th, she will have to send over a $5,000 check to the man who allegedly assaulted her multiple times throughout their marriage.
On top of the spousal support, Denise is also on the hook for Aaron’s $25,000 attorneys’ fees. She also has to pay $5,000 for a forensic accountant. Those payments will be due in three monthly installments of $10,000.
The judge’s ruling comes after Aaron submitted a request for spousal support in October 2025. He said that after his wellness business collapsed in 2024, he was left with virtually no income and a massive, six-figure debt.
With that in mind, he urged the judge to help him maintain the “status quo” during the divorce proceedings. In his court docs, he argued that his domestic violence arrest shouldn’t be held against him. He reiterated to the judge that he entered a not guilty plea and that “there has been no criminal conviction.”
He and Denise both issued sworn-in statements to a judge before this decision was made. Now, this temporary spousal agreement will stay in place until the court says otherwise.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs every Thursday at 8/7c and streams on Peacock.
TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED BY THE JUDGE’S RULING ON SPOUSAL SUPPORT? DO YOU THINK THE EXES WILL FINALIZE THEIR DIVORCE SOON?
