AceShowbiz - Denise Richards has been ordered by a judge to pay her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, a temporary spousal support amount of $5,000 per month as their divorce proceedings continue. This ruling came as a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the former couple.

On Thursday, the court also mandated that Richards cover $30,000 in attorney’s fees for Phypers. The judge, Nicole Bershon, clarified that these payments are strictly related to the divorce case and will not contribute to Phypers’ criminal defense costs.

The monthly $5,000 payment was itemized by the judge: $2,000 to cover Phypers’ rent, $1,000 toward his car expenses, another $1,000 for food, and the remaining $1,000 allocated for miscellaneous living costs. Phypers, who testified during the hearing that he has only $200 to his name, expressed that the support would “certainly help,” though he is approaching the situation cautiously and “one day at a time.”

Aaron Phypers, 53, is currently facing serious legal trouble, including four felony charges — two counts of injuring a spouse and two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat — which he denies. The $30,000 in attorney fees will be paid in three installments, with the first $10,000 due by the end of March.

Denise Richards, 55, reportedly muttered during the court proceedings that she could not “afford” the payments. According to reports, Richards stated that she “could barely pay for [her] attorney” and had been “blowing through everything” she earned during her marriage to Phypers, which lasted from 2018 to 2025.

Richards’ lawyer, Mark Gross, highlighted the substantial financial burden Richards faces, especially as she cares for her 14-year-old daughter, Eloise, who has a rare chromosomal disorder causing developmental delays. Gross also argued that victims of abuse should not be required to financially support their alleged abusers, referencing that Richards was granted a permanent restraining order against Phypers in November 2025.

Phypers’ attorney countered that Phypers has not yet been convicted and is entitled to support during the divorce process. Representatives for both Richards and Phypers have not responded to requests for comment.

The couple ended their marriage last summer after seven years together. Richards shared reflections on the painful experience, describing it as a “painful year” filled with “letting go [and] truths being exposed.” She expressed gratitude for the clarity she has gained despite the hardships.

This is Richards’ second divorce; she was previously married to Charlie Sheen, with whom she shares two daughters, Sami and Lola. Phypers was also previously married to actress Nicolette Sheridan, divorcing her in 2018 after three years of marriage.

As the divorce case moves forward, the financial support and legal fees ordered by the court underscore the ongoing complexities and challenges faced by both parties.

If you or someone you know is affected by similar issues, assistance is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788.