Aaron Phypers has alleged in court documents that his ex-wife Denise Richards never finalized his adoption of her daughter Eloise, despite him raising her for over nine years, leading to legal and emotional turmoil amid their divorce. This claim is part of broader disputes over property, finances, and care responsibilities that have escalated in recent months.
Who: The involved parties are Aaron Phypers, an entrepreneur and ex-husband of Denise Richards; Denise Richards, an actress known for roles in ‘Wild Things’ and ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’; and Eloise, Richards’ 14-year-old adopted daughter who has a chromosome deletion. The situation also involves their families, including Phypers’ mother and brother, who are cited in the claims.
What: Phypers filed court documents on August 20, 2025, alleging that Richards had him sign adoption papers for Eloise but failed to file them, leaving him without legal parental rights. He claims this has caused ‘immeasurable harm’ and is seeking recognition as Eloise’s father. Additionally, Phypers has made claims about unpaid care for Richards’ dogs by his family, financial disputes, and allegations of infidelity, while denying previous abuse accusations from Richards.
When: The key events include the filing of divorce by Phypers in July 2025, the specific court documents on August 20, and Richards’ public response via an Instagram video on August 21 or 22, 2025. The adoption was reportedly signed in 2019, but the failure to file is only now being claimed.
Where: The disputes center around their former marital home in Calabasas, California, with court proceedings likely taking place in Los Angeles County. The claims involve property retrieval, dog care, and financial matters tied to this location.
Why: Phypers’ allegations appear motivated by a desire for legal parental rights to Eloise, financial compensation for unpaid expenses, and to counter Richards’ previous claims in the divorce. The divorce has become contentious, with both parties alleging misconduct and seeking legal resolutions to property and custody issues.
How: The claims emerged through court documents obtained by media outlets, with Phypers detailing his allegations in response to Richards’ filing about retrieving belongings. Richards has addressed the divorce emotionally on social media, indicating the personal and public nature of their conflict.
Impact: The situation has significant emotional impacts on Eloise and the family, potential legal consequences for custody and adoption status, and public scrutiny due to their celebrity status. It highlights issues in high-profile divorces and the complexities of adoption and parental rights.
What’s Next: The divorce proceedings will continue in court, with judges likely to rule on the adoption claims, property disputes, and financial responsibilities. Further public statements or legal filings may arise, and a resolution could set precedents for similar celebrity cases.