Halle Berry has been dealt another blow by her ex, Olivier Martinez, after losing primary physical custody of their 13-year-old son Maceo.
The French actor, 60, is now seeking $240,000 from the actress, 60, to pay the legal fees he incurred during their bitter custody battle, claiming he lacks the means to pay his attorneys.
Olivier claimed in his income and expense declaration that his average monthly income is $776.34 from residuals and he has $43,206.22 in various accounts.
He also has real estate valued at $550,000, which he described as his "only significant asset," and claimed his estimated monthly expenses total $17,555.99.
Olivier asked the court to order Halle to pay $176,522.58 to his lawyers, and an additional $63,477.42 to cover future fees for any legal matters related to their custody battle.
© GC Images"Petitioner has the ability to pay for both her own attorney's fees and Respondent's attorney's fees," a document supporting Olivier's request states, according to the Daily Mail.
"Considering the significant income disparity (regarding which further information will be provided in reply paperwork), Petitioner's ability to pay, and Respondent's critical need for effective legal representation, the Court should order Petitioner to advance attorney's fees to ensure parity between the parties."
Halle and Olivier's custody battle
© Getty ImagesOn Thursday, October 29, 2026, Judge Shelley Kaufman from the Los Angeles Superior Court granted primary physical custody to the French actor.
"We are very happy; my client was granted primary physical custody, opposing party was granted absolutely no overnights, the child is safe and in my client's custody," lawyers for Olivier told reporters after the judgment.
"[Olivier] is extremely happy; this is exactly what he wanted from day one, to protect this child.
"There will be no overnights, and the mother has been ordered to go to certain therapy with the child, and we believe this is in the best interest of the minor child. It is fostering the relationship, and we want repair."
© Getty ImagesIn her ruling, Judge Shelley Kaufman did not grant Olivier the domestic violence restraining order against Halle, or the full legal custody he requested.
She also temporarily denied Halle's requests for 50/50 custody and overnight visits.
The temporary restraining order (TRO) was revealed in earlier court documents that revealed Olivier had "significant concerns" about Halle's mental health, "as well as her alcohol abuse, which I believe have contributed to her abusive conduct."
The actor had accused his ex-wife of choking their son at home on September 26, 2026, after an argument over Maceo playing a game while wearing virtual reality goggles. She reportedly told her son that he looked "so stupid" and was "such an idiot."
© Getty Images"The situation escalated and Petitioner jumped on our son and started physically fighting with him," the documents read. "She grabbed Maceo by the neck and started choking him while shouting, 'Who is dominant now?! Who is dominant?!'"
Halle has denied all claims.
Per Extra, Halle's lawyer said in a statement: "We are extremely pleased that the Court has dissolved the TRO. As we move forward, Halle is determined to continue to focus on the well-being and best interests of her family."
