Denise Richards Faces Court-Ordered Financial Strain Amid Spousal Support Battle

Denise Richards in Financial Crosshairs

Denise Richards, the former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star, is grappling with a court order demanding she pays $5,000 monthly in temporary spousal support along with a $30,000 attorney fee. The order came down on Thursday, after Judge Nicole Bershon ruled on the matter. Richards, visibly stressed, reportedly muttered, “I can’t afford it,” in response to the decision.

Richards, who appeared in court in Los Angeles, expressed her financial woes candidly. She disclosed that during her marriage to Aaron Phypers, which lasted from 2018 to 2025, she was "blowing through everything" she earned. She barely managed to cover her attorney's retainer and revealed her struggles with financial investments, citing confusion over mutual funds established in her youth.

“The costs are pretty extraordinary,” Richards’ attorney, Mark Gross, noted, highlighting her commitment to a special needs child.

Spousal Support and the OnlyFans Debate

Richards also took on back rent payments of $4,800 in an attempt to avoid legal action, emphasizing her ex's refusal to settle the debt. In light of her financial situation, Judge Bershon suggested a payment plan of $10,000 per month across three months, starting at the end of March, a proposal Richards and her attorney accepted.

During the hearing, discussions veered towards Richards' OnlyFans account. Phypers’ attorney, Michael Finley, argued that his client deserved a portion of the earnings, claiming intellectual property rights over the photos taken for the platform.

Uncertain Financial Future

As proceedings concluded, Richards’ financial stability remained in question. Phypers, who faces four felony charges unrelated to the support case, denied all allegations against him. Although discussions about sharing OnlyFans income were broached, Phypers’ team remained tight-lipped, stating, “It appears Ms. Richards is trying to keep that kind of information about her income more private.”

Phypers admitted to having only $200, acknowledging that the court-ordered support would "certainly help" his situation. Meanwhile, the judge clarified that the attorney fees should not cover Phypers' criminal defense costs.

Despite the challenges, Richards continues to navigate this complex financial and legal landscape, balancing personal obligations with public scrutiny.