The divorce battle between Dorit Kemsley and Paul “PK” Kemsley is reportedly escalating into an emotional nightmare, with Dorit expressing fury that PK’s aggressive legal strategy is causing irreparable emotional trauma to their children, Jagger and Phoenix. While PK formally requested joint custody in his response to Dorit’s initial filing for sole custody, sources suggest this demand is a retaliatory tactic, particularly to minimize his financial support obligations, which is now manifesting in the children’s alleged refusal to see him.
The Children’s Alleged Refusal: Trauma Exposed
Dorit has always maintained she is the primary and highly present parent, often contrasting with PK’s frequent business trips to London. The tension surrounding their separation—which PK initially attempted to conceal from the children—has now reportedly pushed the kids to a critical stage of emotional rejection.
Insiders claim Dorit is alleging the children are now actively refusing to spend time with PK during visitation. This refusal is being cited by Dorit as a direct result of the intense, public conflict and PK’s past pattern of absence, confirming the children’s withdrawal from their father due to the ongoing turmoil.
Dorit’s legal position for sole custody is significantly bolstered by evidence of PK’s historical parental absenteeism, a factor Dorit herself highlighted on the show, claiming he was often gone and didn’t know the children’s needs. The current alleged refusal by the children directly supports her argument that awarding joint custody would not be in their best interest, particularly given the emotional toll of the divorce.
The ‘No-Support’ Revenge Tactic
The core of the legal hostility is rooted in finances, particularly PK’s alleged timing of the separation just before their 10-year anniversary and his subsequent legal filings.
Financial Motivation: PK not only waived his own right to spousal support but asked the court to terminate Dorit’s request for support entirely.
Custody Leverage: Legal experts note that a demand for 50/50 joint physical custody is a common legal tactic used to reduce or eliminate child support obligations in California.
Dorit’s camp asserts that PK’s demand for joint custody is purely a financial maneuver to save money (the “No-Support” fight) and a form of revenge against Dorit’s request for spousal support, rather than a genuine desire for increased paternal time, especially if the children are resistant to the idea. Dorit’s filings aim to prove this financial motive is harming the children.
