Dennis Quaid, the renowned actor known for his roles in films like \u201cThe Parent Trap,\u201d has filed a petition to terminate his monthly child support payments to his ex-wife, Kimberly Buffington. The petition, filed at Los Angeles\u2019 Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Wednesday, marks a significant development in the ongoing custody and support arrangements for their twins, Thomas and Zoe.<\/p>\n
Quaid, who is 72 years old, has been paying $13,750 each month in child support to Buffington, who is 54. This amount was set out in their 2018 divorce agreement, which stipulated that the payments would cease once their children, Thomas and Zoe, completed their 12th grade. According to court documents obtained by People, Thomas and Zoe graduated from high school on June 3 and May 23, respectively. This means that the twins have now reached the age of 18, which is the threshold set in their divorce agreement for the termination of child support payments.<\/p>\n
In his petition, Quaid has also requested that any bonus amounts he receives annually, provided he earns more than $1.3 million, be prorated to the date of his twins\u2019 graduations instead of his full-year income. This request is in line with the terms of their divorce agreement, which requires him to pay Buffington an additional sum each year if he exceeds the specified income threshold.<\/p>\n
Quaid and Buffington were married for 14 years, during which time they filed for divorce multiple times before finally splitting in 2016. Despite their tumultuous relationship, they managed to co-parent their twins, Thomas and Zoe, who were born via surrogate in November 2007. The twins were born during Quaid\u2019s marriage to Laura Savoie, but Buffington was recognized as their legal mother.<\/p>\n
When they finalized their divorce in 2018, the exes agreed to joint legal and physical custody of Thomas and Zoe. This arrangement allowed them to make decisions about the twins\u2019 education, healthcare, and other important aspects of their lives together. However, the financial aspect of their co-parenting arrangement was not without its challenges, as evidenced by Quaid\u2019s recent petition to terminate his child support payments.<\/p>\n
The outcome of Quaid\u2019s petition could have significant implications for both him and Buffington, as well as for the twins. If the judge grants his request, it could mean the end of a long-standing financial obligation for Quaid, but it could also mean that Buffington will no longer receive any financial support from him. On the other hand, if the judge denies his request, it could mean that Quaid will continue to pay the $13,750 monthly child support payments, which could put a strain on his finances.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the outcome, Quaid\u2019s petition serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in co-parenting arrangements, even when the parties involved are former spouses. It also highlights the importance of clear and unambiguous agreements in divorce settlements, as well as the need for open and honest communication between co-parents.<\/p>\n