Denise Richards has scored another victory in her legal battle with ex Aaron Phypers amid their ongoing divorce.
Richards, 55, and attorney Mark Gross appeared in Los Angeles County court for a Monday, April 27, hearing, where they discussed her request to have sensitive documents related to her finances sealed, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly. Phypers, 53, and his attorney were not present at the hearing.
Judge Joshua D. Wayser granted the reality TV star’s request, which was initially submitted by Richards and her legal team on February 12.
Inside the courthouse, Richards was asked by the California Post when her lengthy divorce with Phypers would — or could — come to an end.
“It’s hard to tell,” her lawyer responded, according to the outlet.
Richards and Phypers have been entangled in a messy legal battle since July 2025, when the Dirty Hands actor filed for divorce from the Wild Things star after six years of marriage. He cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split.
Though Richards and Phypers do not share any children, he listed Richards’ youngest daughter, Eloise, 14, as his stepdaughter. (Richards adopted Eloise in 2011. She also shares daughters Sami, 22, and Lola, 20, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen.)
Days after the divorce filing, Richards filed a restraining order against her estranged husband, claiming that he physically and emotionally abused her throughout their marriage. Phypers has denied the allegations.
“Not true. Conjured up. I have the real evidence,” he told Us in a statement in July 2025. “I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone. These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful. Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue. I have always tried to approach our marriage with love, patience and respect.”
Phypers was arrested in October 2025 and charged with two felony counts related to injuring a spouse and two felony counts related to dissuading a witness by force or threat. He was subsequently released on bail and pleaded not guilty. The following month, Richards was granted a permanent restraining order against Phypers.
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In December 2025, Phypers requested spousal support from Richards, claiming that he was in debt. Us later confirmed in February that Richards was ordered to pay her ex $5,000 each month in temporary spousal support.
Earlier this month, Richards scored another legal win after a judge ruled that debt collection company Creditors Adjustment Bureau cannot seize any “wages and other assets” made by Richards in order to pay Phypers’ debt. The ruling stated that Richards was not responsible for any debt accrued by Phypers “before or during” their marriage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
