Sheriff's detectives earlier this week finished their investigation into allegations that actor and director Mel Gibson physically abused his former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, according to Fox LA. He also is embroiled in a child custody and support dispute with his ex-girlfriend, who is the mother of their young daughter.
Potential criminal charges against Mel Gibson may severely impact his custody case, depending on how it plays out, as any Georgia family law attorney would tell you. Judges typically consider the "best interests of the child" when determining custody and visitation, including any history of domestic violence and the mental stability of each parent, according to WomensLaw.org.
The detectives did not publicly disclose their findings, which were presented to the District Attorney's Office yesterday. It's not clear how long the review process will take before charges are brought against the actor, if at all.
A second investigation into allegations that Oksana Grigorieva tried to extort Mel Gibson is still underway, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore. Those allegations stem from Oksana Grigorieva's secret audio taping of Mel Gibson's angry, profanity-strewn tirade against her and alleged physical abuse.
In the recordings, Mel Gibson can be heard using racial slurs and telling her she "deserved it" while allegedly hitting her twice. She said she was holding daughter Lucia at the time, who is now 10 months old.
The 40-year-old Russian-born pianist claims her estranged boyfriend punched her in the face, while Mel Gibson claims he only hit her to stop her from shaking their baby. In other words, it's a classic he-said, she-said argument.
Call an Atlanta family law attorney if you have any questions about a particular custody, visitation or child support matter.
Related Resources:
- Custody and Visitation in Non-Divorce Cases (FindLaw)
- Search Atlanta Divorce Lawyers (FindLaw)
- Mel Gibson / Oksana Grigorieva Restraining Order Creates Confusion (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice Blog)
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