Arizona Tribune - Olivier Martinez Seeks Increased Child Support from Halle Berry Following Custody Change

French actor Olivier Martinez has filed new legal documents seeking an increase in monthly child support from Halle Berry, arguing that the current payments are inadequate to maintain the lifestyle of their son, Maceo, following a recent change in custody arrangements.

Martinez, who was granted primary physical custody of the 13-year-old last month, is requesting that Berry raise her existing $8,000 monthly payment. In his filing, he contends that it is equitable for him to receive additional funds now that Maceo resides with him, ensuring the teen can continue to enjoy the standard of living he had while living with his mother.

The legal documents argue that when a supporting parent enjoys a lifestyle that significantly exceeds that of the custodial parent, child support must reflect that disparity. The filing states that children are entitled to the same standard of living attainable by their parents' income, noting that the needs of a child from an extraordinarily wealthy family will exceed bare necessities.

The request follows a legal showdown last month in which Martinez accused Berry of physically abusing Maceo. After hearing testimony from both parties and the boy himself, a judge ruled that Maceo should live with his father, granting Berry visitation rights. The judge also dissolved a temporary restraining order that Martinez had filed on behalf of himself and Maceo.

According to court documents previously obtained by The Daily Mail, Berry has been providing Martinez with $8,000 a month for more than three years, plus an additional 4.3% of any income she receives above $2 million as additional child support.

In his latest income and expense declaration, Martinez reported making an average of $776.34 a month in residuals over the previous 12 months. He listed his average monthly expenses at $17,555.99. The filing notes that Berry continues to work, having starred in the film Crime 101, released in February, and is currently working on two additional projects, Fleur and Red Card.

Citing Family Code Section 4053, the documents emphasize that guidelines take into account each parent’s actual income and level of responsibility for the children, with support determined according to ability.

Following the custody decision, Marina Beck, Berry's attorney, told The Daily Mail that Halle is determined to continue focusing on the well-being and best interests of her family.

Martinez has expressed hope that relations between Maceo and his mother will improve in the future. Speaking to Extra, he stated, "I truly hope Maceo and his mother will be able to have a better relationship in the future.... I don't want my son to hate his mom. I want him to love her. I want him to forgive her, and I want them to reconciliate in some sort at one point."

Representatives for both Berry and Martinez have been contacted for comment regarding the latest filing.

P.A.Mendoza--AT