In a court filing obtained by PEOPLE, Aaron Phypers claims estranged wife Denise Richards failed to file adoption papers he signed for their daughter Eloise, 14.
Richards previously said that Phypers adopted Eloise in 2019, a year after they got married.
The new court documents allege Richards “failed to file” the legal papers that would’ve made the adoption official. According to the filing, Phypers signed paperwork to adopt Richards’ youngest daughter but the actress never submitted the documents to the court.
Marriage and Adoption Claims
Richards and Phypers married in September 2018 in a ceremony in Malibu. Richards adopted Eloise as a baby in 2011 when she was a single mother.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum has spoken publicly about Phypers’ relationship with Eloise over the years.
“He’s been an amazing stepdad to all my kids,” Richards told media outlets in 2019. She claimed at the time that Phypers had officially adopted Eloise.
Richards also has two daughters, Sam and Lola, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen.
Current Legal Dispute
The adoption paperwork dispute comes as part of ongoing legal proceedings between Richards and Phypers. The couple filed for separation earlier this year after nearly six years of marriage.
Phypers is seeking clarification of his legal relationship with Eloise through the court filing.
The documents don’t specify why Richards allegedly didn’t file the adoption papers after Phypers signed them. It’s unclear whether this was an oversight or intentional decision.
Representatives for both Richards and Phypers haven’t responded to requests for comment about the adoption claims.
The case highlights complex family dynamics that can arise when blended families face legal challenges. Without finalized adoption papers, Phypers’ parental rights regarding Eloise remain unclear.
Court records show the legal proceedings between Richards and Phypers are ongoing. The adoption paperwork issue adds another layer to what’s already become a complicated separation process.
The dispute could affect custody arrangements and parental rights as the couple works through their divorce proceedings.
