Trial Set for Early Next Year Amid Dispute Over Children’s Residence
On Tuesday, October 3, a New York judge decreed that Joe Jonas, 34, and Sophie Turner, 27, will proceed to trial over child custody on January 2, 2024. Following their separation, the duo has been embroiled in a dispute concerning the residence of their two daughters.
Differing Preferences for Child Residence
Turner, originating from the U.K., advocates for their daughters’ relocation to England, whereas Jonas wishes for them to reside in the U.S. The former couple welcomed their first daughter, Willa, in July 2020, and their second daughter, Delphine, was born in the summer of 2022. Both children possess dual citizenship of the U.K. and the U.S., complicating the matter further. Willa was born in California, while Delphine was born in Florida.
Shared Parenting Advocated by Jonas
Jonas is pursuing shared parenting, aiming for the children to be nurtured by both parents, in both nations. A statement released by Jonas’ attorney last month read, “Joe is seeking shared parenting with the kids so that they are raised by both their mother and father, and is of course also OK with the kids being raised both in the U.S. and the U.K.”
Residence Dispute Intensifies
While the children were born and have primarily resided in the U.S., Turner submitted a court filing in September, claiming that the decision regarding their permanent residence was never finalized. According to her, the couple had discussed raising their children and schooling them in England, considering it a safe environment for their upbringing. This was also supported by a letter from Jonas in June, presented as evidence by Turner.
Relocation Plans Revealed
Further intensifying the dispute, Turner disclosed that a 10% deposit was placed on a home in Wallingford, Oxford, mere months before their separation. The divorce of Jonas and Turner, who were married for four years, surprised their fans and quickly escalated to a messy situation.
Accusations Fly Amid Custody Battle
Following their split in September 2023, Turner accused Jonas of unlawfully keeping their children in the U.S., sparking an international custody confrontation. Jonas’ representative firmly denied these allegations, terming them “unfortunate” and “misleading.”
The representative’s statement clarified, “The children were not abducted. After being in Joe’s care for the past three months at the agreement of both parties, the children are currently with their mother.”
Turner’s legal team suggests that these allegations were primarily aimed at moving the divorce proceedings to the U.K. and obtaining permanent custody of the children there.
As the trial date approaches, this international custody dispute continues to unfold, garnering widespread attention and speculation. With both parents seeking what they believe is best for their children, the court’s decision will be crucial in determining the family’s future.