Lee Simmons Granted Sole Custody Of Kids

The estranged couple split in 2006 after eight years' of marriage, but Lee Simmons only filed for divorce earlier this year (Mar08), citing irreconcilable differences.

Def Jam Records co-founder Simmons challenged his ex's petition for sole custody of Ming, eight, and Aoki, five - and in May (08), filed papers seeking joint physical and legal custody of their daughters.

But Lee Simmons has reportedly won the custody battle, according to The Insider news show.

Legal papers obtained by the programme state that Simmons is entitled to have the two young girls for one week out of every eight. He will get to spend extra time with them for summer vacations and holidays.

Lee Simmons has been granted the legal authority to make all decisions in relation to their kids' health, education and welfare.

In addition, the model will receive the $480,000 (GBP240,000)-a-year in child support as per her request. Simmons is expected to continue paying the sum until 2019 for Ming Lee, and 2022 for Aoki.

But that's not all - Simmons has also been ordered to provide a car worth at least $60,000 (GBP30,000) for the use and benefit of his children, and the vehicle must be replaced every two years.

However, in an open letter to various media outlets, Simmons has insisted he is happy with the arrangements because they are in the best interests of their kids - and he claims there is no bitterness between him and his estranged wife.

He says, "I want to say Kimora is a excellent mother and is doing a great job with them... Regarding the money, my kids live a tremendous life. They do have lots of security, nannies, educators, special programs, travel, chefs, on and on. Their mother manages all of those luxuries and I'm happy to provide for that."