Child Support Settlement Reached in Custody Battle
Nia Long, the talented actress, and her ex Ime Udoka, an NBA coach, have finally reached a settlement in their custody battle over their 12-year-old son, Kez. The court documents obtained by PEOPLE reveal that Long will have sole physical custody of Kez, but the couple will continue to share joint legal custody. As part of the settlement, Udoka will provide $32,000 per month in child support.
Co-parenting with Reasonable Visitation
While Long has sole physical custody, the agreement ensures that Kez will have reasonable visitation with Udoka. The stipulation takes into consideration Kez’s schedule and concerns but does not interfere with his time with Udoka. As Udoka often needs to travel with his team during the NBA season, the agreement also includes provisions for Kez’s travel to visit his father on the road. Additionally, a nanny will help with transporting Kez between his parents on these occasions.
Shared Holidays and Vacation Time
The settlement also addresses vacation and holiday arrangements. The parents will share or alternate holidays when Udoka is available. Udoka will have up to three non-consecutive weeks of vacation time with Kez each year, while considering Kez’s schedule and concerns. To ensure smooth communication, the parties must notify each other of their intended summer vacation plans with Kez by April of each year.
A Challenging Journey
Nia Long’s decision to file for full custody came after she claimed that Udoka had failed to support their child adequately. The filing followed their split in December 2022, ending their 13-year relationship. Despite the challenges they have faced, Long remains focused on her role as a mother. She expressed her gratitude for the love and support she received during this difficult time. Long emphasized that she will continue to prioritize her children and their well-being.
Growth and Reflection
Ime Udoka has also shown remorse for the difficult position he put people in with his actions. He has taken the opportunity to reflect on himself and work on personal growth. Udoka underwent leadership and sensitivity training and sought counseling for himself and his son. He acknowledged that growth can come from adversity, and he is committed to becoming a better coach and leader.
Despite the ups and downs, both Nia Long and Ime Udoka are dedicated to co-parenting their son, Kez. They have managed to find common ground through their custody settlement, ensuring the best interests of their child are upheld.
