Former reality television stars Kate & Jon Gosselin ("Jon and Kate Plus Eight") have reached an "extremely confidential" settlement agreement in their prolonged child custody dispute, according to celebrity gossip Web site TMZ.com. But it's not clear whether that's an accurate report.
There's not much to say in the absence of details and lawyers for both parties are not talking. But an unnamed source close to the couple "confirmed" the settlement, according to TMZ:
"An official agreement between Jon and Kate has been reached and they will be working together for the benefit of their children."
Ideally, as any Georgia family law attorney would attest, all child custody arrangements are supposed to be worked out for the benefit of the children. While this should be no different in principle, providing for the welfare of eight young children presents an extraordinary challenge to any family.
However, CNN's Marquee blog disputes the rumor and cites Jon Gosselin's attorney (Mary Vidas) as saying a settlement has in fact not been reached yet.
Jon Gosselin sued his estranged ex-wife for primary custody of the couple's eight children nearly four months ago, as reported by People Magazine. Kate Gosselin currently has primary custody of the children, while Jon Gosselin is required to pay a staggering $21,000 per month in child support.
Jon Gosselin asked a Pennsylvania judge to review the custody order and claims his ex "abuses" the terms of the agreement (reached through arbitration), has failed to document child care expenses and is an "absentee" parent. While he said her stint on "Dancing with the Stars" has resulted in her being absent, Kate Gosselin offered the following explanation:
"[I am] a single working mom [who] will do everything necessary to provide for my kids despite the opinions of others."
For now, though, it appears that the rumored settlement is just a rumor.
Related Resources:
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Preliminary Injunction Stops Jon Gosselin Media Appearances (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice Blog)
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