**Denise Richards Ordered to Pay Spousal Support in Divorce Proceedings with Aaron Phypers**
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In a recent ruling from the Los Angeles Superior Court, Denise Richards has been instructed to pay temporary spousal support and attorney fees to her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, amid their contentious divorce proceedings. This decision was made during a court hearing on 26 February 2026, marking another development in a legal battle that has drawn significant public attention.
Judge Nicole Bershon presided over the case, ordering Richards, aged 55, to pay Phypers, 53, $25,000 to cover his legal fees related to the divorce. Additionally, she has been mandated to pay for a forensic accountant, an expense amounting to $5,000. According to court documents, these payments will be made in installments of $10,000 across March, April, and May 2026.
Beyond the attorney fees, the judge also granted what is known as “pendente lite spousal support,” which is a type of temporary financial support. As outlined in her ruling, Richards must provide Phypers with $5,000 each month, starting on 5 March 2026 and continuing until otherwise specified by the court.
In a clarification made by the judge, it was noted that the attorney fees awarded to Phypers are strictly for the divorce proceedings and cannot be utilised for any criminal defence he might require. This decision comes amidst serious legal troubles faced by Phypers, who was implicated in an eight-page criminal complaint filed against him last October. Following his detention in a Los Angeles courtroom, he managed to secure his release on a $200,000 bail.
Phypers’ legal team expressed confidence in the defence strategy. Following the court’s decision on 26 February, they remarked that Richards’ wealth and influence would not alter the reality of the situation, stating that “the truth is simply Aaron Phyper’s defence.”
The contentious nature of Richards and Phypers’ split has been highlighted by their mutual allegations of domestic abuse. Richards has accused Phypers of repeated domestic violence throughout their relationship, while he has refuted these claims as “completely false and deeply hurtful.” Both parties have made serious accusations against one another, with Phypers alleging infidelity and physical abuse by Richards in an interview with TMZ last July.
On the other hand, Richards has been ensured some legal protections as she was granted a five-year restraining order against Phypers in November 2025, which will remain in effect until 7 November 2030. This order prohibits Phypers from purchasing firearms, abusing Richards, or contacting her in any manner. Furthermore, Richards is permitted to record any conversations with Phypers should they occur.
Despite the tumultuous nature of her personal life, Richards recently appeared at BravoCon, where she stated that she is coping well with the circumstances surrounding her divorce. Describing her situation, she remarked, “It’s a process. I have such a great support system. Thank you so much.”
Richards, who has three children from previous relationships, made her return to *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills* on 19 February. During her return, she opened up about the divorce and the alleged incidents of abuse, reflecting on the moment when she realised that her marriage had become irreparable.
The divorce saga between Richards and Phypers continues to unfold, revealing the complexities and personal struggles faced by both parties. As the case progresses through the courts, many observers will be keen to see how the legal battles develop and if either party’s claims hold sufficient weight in court.