Kimora Lee Simmons Granted Sole Custody of Kids

By: Shannon Gossage

Model turned CEO of the Baby Phat clothing line Lee Simmons, 33, and Def Jam Records co-founder Simmons, 50, called it quits in 2006 after eight years of marriage. Lee Simmons filed for divorce earlier this year on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. She also filed for sole custody, which was challenged by Simmons who filed his own papers seeking joint physical and legal custody of Ming, 8, and Aoki, 5. It has been reported that Lee Simmons was granted sole custody of the girls and was granted the authority to legally make all decisions regarding the girl’s health, education, and well-being.

According to the legal papers, Simmons will get the girls for one week out of every eight. He will also get extra time with them for summer vacations and holidays. He will also pay $20,000 per child a month in child support until the girls turn 19 1/2. He will no longer have to pay child support if the daughter gets married, is emancipated, becomes self-supporting, joins the armed forces or stops living with Kimora Lee Simmons. He also has to provide a car worth at least $60,000 (bought or leased) for the girls once every 24 months.

Simmons said in an open letter to the media that he is happy with the arrangements and that there is no animosity between him and Lee Simmons. His letter read, "I want to say Kimora is an excellent mother and is doing a great job with them…Regarding the money, my kids live a tremendous life. They do have lots of security, nannies, educators, special programs, travel, chefs, on and on. Their mother manages all of those luxuries and I’m happy to provide for that." Lee Simmons is reportedly dating actor Djimon Honsou.