Elon Musk is known to jet set around the world running his multiple businesses, but where does he actually live? And why does it matter in a new parental rights fight he is in with his former girlfriend, Grimes?
Where Do Musk, Grimes, and Their Three Children Live?
Elon Musk and singer Grimes, whose legal name is Claire Boucher, started dating in 2018. Together, they had three children: X Æ A-Xii, 3; Tau Techno Mechanicus,1; and Exa Dark Sideræl, 1.
Now, courts are trying to determine where the couple lived with their three children before the two parted ways.
Where they lived will determine the proper jurisdiction for their parental rights case and have a major impact on the amount of child support payments Musk may be required to pay.
Musk Says They Live In Texas
On September 13, 2023, Grimes was served with child custody papers from Musk. Musk is suing to establish a “parent-child” relationship with the children. He filed the paperwork in Texas in an attempt to set the jurisdiction for the case in Texas.
Musk says Grimes and the children lived with him in Texas until July of 2023, according to Business Insider. Musk also claims he has lived in Texas for at least six consecutive months.
Musk has an incentive to have the parental rights case presented in Texas. Each state sets its own guidelines for the financial responsibilities of parents. Texas caps the amount of child support a parent must pay.
If Musk were required to pay child support by the state of Texas, the billionaire would be required by law to pay less than $3,000 per month in total child support for his three children with Grimes.
The maximum amount a parent must pay in child support in Texas is $2,760 for three children.
Related: Types of Child Custody and What They Mean for Your Family
Grimes Says They Live in California
Shortly after Musk filed suit, Grimes filed one of her own — in the state of California.
On September 29, Grimes filed a “petition to establish parental relationship” in California. She also requested a “standard restraining order” that would prevent either she or Musk from moving the children out of California, per reporting by Page Six.
Contrary to what Musk says, Grimes says she has been living with their children in California since December 2022.
In California, there is no cap on child support payments. The payment amount is determined by many factors, including each parent’s gross income, net disposable income, and time spent with the children.
Grimes stands to receive a much larger monthly child support payment if the case is heard in California.
Related: A Guide to Understanding Florida Family Law Forms
A Dispute of Jurisdiction
Musk has accused Grimes of attempting to “circumvent the jurisdiction” of the Texas court by just recently declaring herself a non-resident of the state. He also claimed he has had “actual care, control, and possession of each child since the birth of each child.”
Grime’s legal team has asked Musk to sit for a deposition to ask questions that would help determine the location of his legal residence, but Musk has refused to do so.
Musk is requesting privacy protections before he will sit for a deposition. According to Business Insider, Musk is concerned about the personal information that will come out during the deposition and then be made public.
At this time, it seems Grime has not officially petitioned for child custody or child support.
The first step in the parental rights case will be determining where the case should be heard. Musk reportedly says he would like to reach an agreement with Grimes, but if they can’t, he would like a Texas court to issue an order.
It may end up that the case is not fully heard in California or Texas. Courts could find that one or two of the three children have a different residency than the other children, leading to cases in both Texas and California.
Related: Dealing With the Media During a High-Profile Case: What to Expect
Talk to a Family Law Attorney About Child Support
Child support guidelines and family law policies vary in every state. If you have questions about child support, talk to a family law attorney in your state. If you are in Florida, get expert advice about your case from attorney TJ Grimaldi.
All consultations are free, so contact our office today to find out how TJ can guide you and your family through the child support process. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
