Renowned singer and host Kelly Clarkson is reportedly heading for a potential escalation in her divorce conflict with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, with her relocation to New York being the catalyst, according to insiders. Her move to the East Coast may incur additional financial burdens for the 41-year-old singer, intensifying the already contentious custody dispute over their children.
Last year, amidst a tumultuous divorce, Clarkson secured primary custody of the pair's children, nine-year-old River Rose, and seven-year-old Remy. Blackstock, however, receives $150,000 per month for spousal support and an additional $45,601 for child support, with the children spending one weekend a month with him.
As Clarkson, with a reported monthly income of $1.5 million, plans her move from Los Angeles, she might have to shoulder extra costs to facilitate Blackstock's visitations with their children in New York.
"Relocating to New York from L.A. complicates the situation since Brandon resides in Montana. The distance for the children to travel for their visits with their father will increase significantly," remarked a close acquaintance of the couple.
A separate source hinted at further complications arising from Blackstock's ongoing litigation with Clarkson over commissions from his stint as her manager. The insider noted, "Brandon could demand that Kelly bear the cost of his travels to New York and upscale hotel accommodation for his visits with the kids."
They added, "This type of demand has been successfully advocated in the past for divorced parents. Although Kelly is reluctant to fork out additional expenses, she may have to do so to evade another bitter legal tussle."
Clarkson's representatives have not yet commented on the matter.
Clarkson was compelled to move from her Los Angeles residence earlier this year due to a persistent stalker issue, compelling her to hire extra security for her family's protection. The stalker trespassed on her property 18 times, often leaving peculiar presents for the celebrity.
Clarkson and Blackstock, who had been married for seven years, divorced in June 2020 due to "irreconcilable differences." Blackstock's attempt to nullify their prenuptial agreement was dismissed by the judge, thereby upholding its terms and leaving him empty-handed.