Singer Sia has been ordered to pay a staggering $42,500 per month in child support to her estranged husband, Daniel Bernad, for their two-year-old son, Somersault Wonder. The settlement, confirmed by Sia herself on social media platform X, highlights the singer's financial obligations despite having primary custody of their child.
Sia's Statement on the Settlement
In her post, Sia addressed the media coverage of the settlement, stating, "I see my settlement has been picked up by the press. I’m a sober working mom trying to buy peace. I have primary custody of our son and since I am the only parent earning income, I still have to pay California’s incredibly high child support." This candid revelation underscores the challenges faced by high-earning parents under California's stringent child support laws.
Details of the Child Support Agreement
The monthly payments of $42,500 commenced on April 1 and are set to continue until Somersault reaches the age of 18, or 19 if he remains enrolled in full-time high school. Beyond the base amount, Sia's financial responsibilities include:
- Providing health insurance for her son
- Covering private school tuition fees
- Funding agreed-upon extracurricular activities
- Paying for uninsured healthcare costs
- Maintaining a $5 million life insurance policy for Somersault
Custody Arrangements and Legal Background
The former couple shares joint legal custody of their son, with Bernad having specific physical custody days as outlined in the agreement. Previously, Bernad had sought significant spousal support and legal fees from Sia, adding complexity to their separation proceedings. This settlement resolves those earlier disputes, focusing solely on child-related financial matters.
Sia's case brings attention to how California's child support system calculates payments based on income disparity between parents, even when one has primary custody. As a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, her situation may influence public discourse on family law and financial responsibilities in high-profile divorces.
