Gossip Girl and Melrose Place alumna Kelly Rutherford went through a harrowing custody battle for her kids, Helena and Hérmes. However, her children, now teens, have urged their jet-setting mother to “get on” with her life.
Rutherford tied the knot with German entrepreneur Daniel Giersch in 2006, but their union came to an end in 2010. The couple welcomed their son, Hermes, in 2006.
While expecting her daughter Helena, born in 2009, Kelly initiated divorce proceedings in 2008. The drawn-out, headline-grabbing custody saga for their kids became a media magnet.
Initially, they were awarded joint custody of their two children in the USA in 2009. However, after Giersch’s American Visa was revoked in 2012, he relocated to France and Monaco. That same year, Rutherford petitioned the court for sole custody of her children.
Kelly Ruthorford was Forced to Buy a Home in Monaco to See Her Kids
In a surprising ruling, the court decided to maintain the 50/50 custody arrangement. Given Giersch’s inability to enter the USA, their children are required to reside with their father in Monaco.
Consequently, Kelly Rutherford faced the choice of either relocating to Monaco or frequently traveling to see her kids. She opted for a home there.
After a prolonged custody fight, Rutherford went bankrupt in 2013, with legal fees amounting to $1.5 million. In 2015, Monaco courts decided the children should stay with their father, granting Rutherford significant visitation rights.
Following her difficult decision, Rutherford threw herself into work. She went on to appear in shows such as Quantico and the reboot of Dynasty.
Kelly Rutherford Says Her Kids Urged Her to ‘Get On’ with Life
Nearly a decade has passed since Kelly lost the custody battle for her two children, yet she continues to be an attentive mother to them. In interviews, she speaks of her children with profound love and affection.
“Sometimes we just need to retreat and be with our kids and just heal and take time for ourselves,” Rutherford told People about her ordeal.
Though still a mom at heart, Helena and Hérmes, now young adults, have urged Rutherford to enjoy life.
“My kids are getting older, and they’re sort of like, ‘Okay, get on with your life’. They’re teenagers now, and they’ve got their friends and their stuff,” she admitted. “So my day-to-day has recently been more about me and my dogs, working and traveling.”
The actress explained that now it’s more about her kids making time for her. However, when they’re ready for mom time, she’s at the ready.
“They still need you when they’re teens, but it’s different,” she explained. “I think you just have to be there for them when they do need you. It’s natural for them to grow up and have their lives. It’s a change, but it’s a beautiful change.”