Nia Long’s ex-husband, Ime Udoka, is launching a full-scale custody battle over the former couple’s 11-year-old son.
According to new legal documents, obtained by The Blast, the NBA coach is asking a judge in a Los Angeles County Court to order “joint custody” of their son, Kez, just weeks after Nia filed for full custody.
In the filing, Udoka says the ex-couple should share physical and legal custody of the child — giving him the same authority for essential decisions like medical treatment, schooling, and religion. If successful, joint physical custody would give him a 50% time share with his son.
We broke the story, on August 21, 2023, the ‘Friday’ star filed for full custody of her son, asking Ime only to get visitation with the child.
Nia Long Files For Full Custody Of Her 11-Year-Old Son
In other words, this could turn into a nasty custody battle. Unfortunately for Udoka, Nia Long hired celebrity attorney Samantha Spector, so this is going to be a huge uphill battle.
It should be noted, that Udoka is asking for the famous duo to split the attorney fees down the middle. Of course, Nia wants him to pay for all fees associated with the divorce. If successful, it could be a pretty penny. Having the best divorce lawyers in the country doesn’t come cheap!
Interestingly, Udoka marked the box on his legal filing saying he is willing to have “visitation” with his son. In other words, it appears he is willing for the child to live with Nia for school purposes and have visitation with him on off days or summer break. Remember, Ime is the head coach of the Houston Rockets and spends a lot of time in Texas and on the road with the basketball team.
Ime Udoka Accused Of Cheating On His Famous Wife Nia Long
This break-up has been flooded with headlines after Udoka was accused of cheating on his famous wife with a member of his previous NBA organization — the Boston Celtics. At the time, he was terminated by the team for having an “intimate and conceptual relationship with a female member of the Celtic’s staff.”
He issued a statement, saying, “I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”
Nia Long opened up about the devastating news, saying her son is still having a hard time dealing with the situation. “He still has moments where it’s not easy for him,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. Adding, she had to pull him out of school the day it broke, saying, “I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son’s face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public.”
At this point, it will be up to a judge to decide about the custody. Or, like in most celebrity cases, a private mediation will take place to decide on a settlement everyone is happy with going forward.
