Denise Richards & Charlie Sheen: Addiction, Abuse Allegations, and $55,000/Month in Child Support
She alleged gambling, prostitution, and worse — the restraining order came before the divorce was final
Key Facts
What Happened
Denise Richards filed for divorce from Charlie Sheen on April 19, 2006, while pregnant with their second daughter. Her filing included explosive allegations: she claimed Sheen was addicted to gambling and prostitution, visited disturbing pornographic websites, and had become increasingly unstable and violent. A Los Angeles judge ordered Sheen to stay at least 300 feet from Richards, her home, her car, and their two daughters, except during supervised visits.
The allegations made the Richards-Sheen divorce one of the most sensational in Hollywood history. Sheen's public behavior in subsequent years — including his 2011 'winning' meltdown, his firing from Two and a Half Men, and his 2015 HIV disclosure — would eventually validate many of Richards' concerns. During the divorce proceedings, however, Sheen characterized Richards as a vindictive spouse using their children as leverage.
The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, and Richards notably stated that she did not ask for half of what Sheen earned during their marriage. Instead, the settlement focused on child support, which was set at $55,000 per month for their two daughters, Sam and Lola. Richards received primary physical custody with joint legal custody. As Sheen's behavior became more erratic over the years, Richards eventually gained temporary custody of his twin sons from his subsequent marriage to Brooke Mueller.
The case became a textbook example of how addiction and mental health issues intersect with family law. Richards demonstrated that documenting a spouse's dangerous behavior is essential for protecting children, while the case also showed that courts take time to act — the supervised visitation requirement was eventually lifted when Sheen demonstrated sobriety, only for problems to resurface later. The ongoing modifications to custody and support underscored that divorce involving addiction is rarely a one-time event.
Legal Breakdown: Addiction and Custody Battles
Restraining Orders During Divorce
Richards obtained a restraining order against Sheen before the divorce was finalized, requiring him to stay 300 feet away and limiting him to supervised visitation. In California, domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs) can be issued quickly based on a showing of reasonable apprehension of harm, and they directly affect custody arrangements.
Addiction and Custody Modifications
Custody orders in cases involving addiction are rarely permanent. Courts modify custody based on changed circumstances — sobriety can lead to restored visitation, while relapse can trigger restrictions. The Richards-Sheen case saw multiple modifications over the years as Sheen's condition fluctuated.
Declining Spousal Support Claims
Richards' decision not to pursue her full spousal support entitlement was unusual but strategic. By not seeking half of Sheen's earnings, she maintained the moral high ground in a public battle and focused negotiations on child support and custody — the issues that mattered most for her children's safety.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Document everything when a spouse's addiction or dangerous behavior threatens your children. Dates, incidents, witnesses, and evidence are essential for court.
- →Restraining orders can be obtained quickly and directly affect custody arrangements. Do not wait if you or your children are in danger.
- →Custody orders involving addiction are not permanent — expect modifications as circumstances change, and be prepared to return to court.
- →Sometimes forgoing maximum financial claims is a strategic choice that focuses resources on the custody battle, where the real stakes lie.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.