Rumer Willis has been awarded primary physical custody of her three-year-old daughter Louetta following a lengthy and contentious custody dispute with her ex-partner, Derek Richard Thomas. Official court documents, reported by PEOPLE, reveal that the actress, aged 37, will maintain primary physical custody, while the pair will share joint legal custody.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Rumer-Wills-Aspen-Snow-Ball-Gala-2026-Derek-Richard-Thomas-Just-One-Eye-2023-061126-81712828fdf04b3a956186b9c303f2be.jpg)
As part of the custody ruling, both parents are required to undergo a custody evaluation. This decision comes in response to ongoing disagreements over custody arrangements that have been unfolding over recent months. The court has established a visitation schedule for Thomas, aged 40, which will initially include monitored visits with Louetta, supervised by one of Willis’ nannies, transitioning to unsupervised overnight visits starting in August.
In addition to this arrangement, the court has mandated that Willis and Thomas engage in co-parenting counselling. This step is viewed as crucial in helping the former couple learn to communicate effectively, with both being instructed to use a co-parenting app for this purpose.
Mike Kretzmer, Thomas’ attorney, expressed satisfaction with the court’s interim ruling, articulating that Thomas was pleased to have gained a meaningful opportunity to foster his relationship with Louetta. Kretzmer noted the judge’s careful consideration of the evidence presented during proceedings and indicated that they look forward to showcasing more evidence of Thomas’ devotion as a father during future hearings.
Willis has, however, raised serious concerns in her declarations regarding Thomas’ behaviour, alleging a “persistent pattern” of severe emotional abuse that reportedly began prior to their split in 2024. The accusations, which include claims that such behaviour has left Louetta distressed, also mention concerns about Thomas’ fiancée, Lizzie Loch, being present during visitation.
In response, Thomas rejected the abuse allegations in a subsequent declaration, suggesting that Willis’ intention to block his access to Louetta stemmed from jealousy over the child’s relationship with Loch. He denied any acts of domestic violence or coercion and described the nature of their relationship as unhealthy but devoid of any violence or intimidation.
Willis confirmed her separation from Thomas in August 2024, after being in a relationship since 2022. The couple had announced they were expecting their first child together in December 2022, with Louetta’s birth occurring on April 18, 2023.
The dispute reflects deeply personal struggles between the two, highlighting the challenges that can arise during custody battles. The court’s rulings aim to navigate these complexities while placing the well-being of young Louetta at the forefront of the decisions made.
As the legal situation continues to develop, both parties are urged to adhere to the court’s directives to foster a positive co-parenting relationship. With monitored visits transitioning to unsupervised ones, the coming months will likely play a critical role in shaping the dynamics of their parenting arrangements.
In conclusion, while the court has made progress in establishing custody and visitation terms, the underlying tensions indicated by the allegations and counter-allegations suggest that the matter may remain contentious as both parties seek to ensure what they believe is in the best interest of their daughter.