Kelly Clarkson had to pay spousal support to Brandon Blackstock primarily because she was the higher earner in their marriage, and a temporary court order mandated payments of around $150,000/month (plus child support) while their divorce was pending, as Blackstock argued financial dependency after leaving his career for ranching, despite their prenuptial agreement being largely upheld for assets. Although the spousal support ended in early 2024, she also paid a large lump sum as part of the final divorce settlement, but won a significant victory when a labor commission ordered Blackstock to repay her millions for unlicensed agent fees.

Why does Kelly have to pay Brandon child support?

Why Kelly Pays Child Support: Despite having primary custody, Kelly Clarkson pays $45,601/month in child support due to California's formula, which factors in significant income disparity between her and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

Did Kelly Clarkson get her money back from her ex-husband?

Over three years after singer Kelly Clarkson first filed for divorce, she finally has some redemption over what she went through... her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock has been ordered to pay her back over $2.6 million... 😮 I can't believe you could do this to a spouse...

Did Kelly Clarkson have a prenuptial agreement?

In Kelly Clarkson's case, the court upheld what is called a prenuptial agreement between Clarkson and her husband and rejected the husband's contention that the Montana ranch was marital property. Kelly Clarkson's pre-nup served its purpose and she got to keep the ranch.

At what age do you stop paying alimony?

One change of circumstances is retirement. California law, for at least 15 years or so, has indicated that if a person reaches what has been the typical retirement age of 65, it is not necessary to keep working just to pay spousal support.

Kelly Clarkson's Divorce: Everything You Need to Know | E! News

Who filed for divorce, Kelly or Brandon?

Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock in June 2020, citing "irreconcilable differences" after nearly seven years of marriage, with the split becoming final in 2022. Their divorce was complex, involving legal battles over finances and custody, and was followed by Blackstock's subsequent death from cancer in August 2025, as reported in recent news.
 

Who has custody of Kelly Clarkson's children?

Kelly Clarkson has primary physical custody of her two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, a custody arrangement solidified in their 2020 divorce settlement, though they share joint legal custody and continue co-parenting, with the children residing primarily in Los Angeles while Blackstock lives in Montana.
 

Why did Kelly lose custody of her kids?

In 2012, Giersch, Rutherford's ex-husband and the father of her children, was awarded custody after his U.S. visa was revoked and denied re-entry to the U.S. based on fraud in obtaining it.

What actor pays the most in child support?

You can probably guess that celebrities pay ample amounts of child support, but how much exactly? One of the celebs who pays the most is Alex Rodriguez, who has been paying both child and spousal support to his ex, Cynthia Scurtis, to the tune of $115,000 per month.

What is the longest alimony?

The court will determine how long you or the other party will receive alimony. If you have been married for 20 years or longer, there is no limit to how long you can receive alimony. However, if you were married for less than 20 years, you cannot collect alimony for more than 50% of the length of the marriage.

How long will Kelly Clarkson have to pay spousal support?

Talk show host Kelly Clarkson is paying her last installment of spousal support to her former husband, Brandon Blackstock, in early 2024. After their divorce in June 2020, Clarkson revealed that she is relieved that this period has finally come to an end.

What illness does Brandon Blackstock have?

Brandon Blackstock battled melanoma, a serious and aggressive form of skin cancer, privately for more than three years before passing away peacefully on August 7, 2025.

Did Kelly Clarkson take care of her ex-husband?

Kelly Clarkson Was Helping Care for Her Ex-Husband, Brandon Blackstock, Before His Death. "Despite their difficult divorce, he's still the man she loved and still her kids' father."

Does Kelly find out Brandon cheated?

After discovering what he has done, Kelly breaks it off with him and tries to go on dates with other men, with Brandon interfering and trying to make her see how much he loves her.

Did Kelly Clarkson have a prenup?

Prenuptial Agreements Are Critical

Before they tied the knot in 2013, Clarkson and Blackstock signed a prenuptial agreement. Without this agreement in place, Clarkson could have lost a lot more than she did, since much of the property at stake would have been considered marital property.

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