In a surprise turn of events, Jodie Turner-Smith changed her tune in the divorce case against her estranged husband Joshua Jackson, as the actress is now seeking spousal and child support. The move has come as a surprise for many because when she filed for divorce in October 2023, Jodie had asked that neither party be ordered to pay the other any spousal support.
The 37-year-old actress, known for movies such as Queen & Slim and The Acolyte, filed divorce papers against the 45-year-old Dawson’sCreek actor in Los Angeles, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The two have kept to themselves largely in the public sphere, but their split does come somewhat as a surprise given they had appeared at one or two social events out together in the time leading up to the filing. The date of separation was listed as September 13, 2023, which legally ended a relationship that had its roots back in 2018 at Usher’s 40th birthday party. They then married in December 2019 after a year and gave birth to their daughter Juno Rose Diana Jackson in April of 2020.
No Spousal Support-The Initial Stance
Turner-Smith also applied for a clean break, wanting joint custody of the girl and that no spousal support be issued against either party. She further applied for costs, wanting Jackson to pay her legal fees. This somewhat represents a move forward, independently without any financial entanglements from the short-lived marriage since there was no pre-nuptial agreement to regulate such issues.
Her lawyers-among them the powerhouse that is Laura Wasser-made quite sure to get one thing across at the time: whatever was happening, this divorce was going to be about as amicable as such things could get. It was a seemingly civil separation-the couple seemed to have agreed upon joint custody, which meant they would be able to co-parent their daughter despite the breakdown in the marriage.
In a recent interview, Turner-Smith has modified her requests. In newly filed documents, she now requests that Jackson pay both spousal and child support. The motives for this change of heart are not entirely clear, but it could indicate a deeper reevaluation of the financial realities following their separation. Sources close to Turner-Smith say she might have underestimated how hard it was going to be to maintain her lifestyle, with her busy career and the financial dynamics of their marriage.
Position of Joshua Jackson
On the contrary, Joshua Jackson has been very combative. The actor, who has been spotted spending time with actress Lupita Nyong’o since the divorce filing, has objected to the spousal support request. In response to Turner-Smith’s recent filing, Jackson’s legal team has argued that no spousal support should be awarded to either party, insisting that both are financially independent. Additionally, Jackson has called into question the date of their separation, possibly in a wider effort to minimize his financial liability. His lawyers have similarly requested that Turner-Smith provide voluminous documentation of her financial needs before any spousal support is awarded.
Through it all, Jackson has kept a comparatively low profile, though his said new romance with Nyong’o has made the headlines; those close to him are adamant that he is pre-occupied keeping his eyes focused on his own journey through healing and his responsibilities on set.
Financial Cost of Divorce
One of the most salient factors of this divorce is that the two did not have any prenuptial agreement in place. In that case, the financial terms of this divorce will be highly based upon California law, which stipulates that community property-martial assets and debts accrued during the marriage-is to be divided equally unless otherwise noted. Turner-Smith and Jackson are both in very successful careers, and division of property will obviously play a big factor.
The other critical dispute likely to stir much interest is over child support. Aside from spousal support, Turner-Smith has been said to request financial support for the upbringing of their daughter. This may not be strange, because, after all, this principle finds wide application in several divorce cases. Her husband hasn’t responded on that issue, so far, publicly.
Moving On: What Does the Future Hold for the Former Couple?
Divorce proceedings still in the air, Turner-Smith and Jackson are battling it out on personal and professional fronts. Turner-Smith’s career is going upwards, with several big projects lined up ahead. She has said, “My main priority is just making sure Juno is happy and healthy.”. Her recent shift in demands perhaps shows a desire to settle down into a more secure future for herself and her child, particularly as she juggles the pressures of fame and motherhood.
Meanwhile, Jackson appears to be taking his own course. He has been spotted hanging out more with Lupita Nyong’o, although none of them has shown whether it’s a romantic relationship or a very close friendship. For Jackson, this transition period should have been emotionally charged, and it would appear that the focus has turned toward rebuilding his personal life, together with keeping up an exemplary coparenting relationship with Turner-Smith.
Conclusion: Divorce is a Complicated Process
What started out as a pretty straightforward divorce between Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson has become increasingly complicated-and contentious-in nature. As Turner-Smith does an about-face, seeking spousal support in addition to child support, the former couple has to navigate the often-challenging process of dividing up both their financial and emotional lives. While both have publicly expressed a desire to co-parent amicably, the legal battles could continue to play out for quite some time.
The unfolding drama has reminded us that even the most seemingly rock-solid Hollywood unions can be fragile and that divorce, on an emotional and financial level, is rarely clean-cut. For Turner-Smith and Jackson, the hope is that both can move forward with clarity and continue to make their daughter’s well-being a priority amidst their personal struggles.
