In filing for dissolution with singer
Melissa Etheridge, actress Tammy Lynn Michaels is asking for full
custody of their children, celebrity
website TMZ reported.
The women announced their split in
April.
Michaels wrote on her blog that
Etheridge's Friday filing of paperwork to end their California
domestic partnership was a shock that left her “blindsided.”
In the documents, Etheridge cites
“irreconcilable differences” and asks for joint custody of the
couple's twin 3-year-old children, son Miller and daughter Johnnie
Rose. The Grammy-winning singer's lawyer is also asking the court to
terminate its ability to award partner support.
Michaels, 35, claims she gave up her
acting career in 2001 to become a full-time stay-at-home mom for the
couple's children. Etheridge, 49, shares joint custody of two
children – Bailey Jean, 13, and Beckett, 11 – from a previous
relationship with Julie Cypher.
Michaels, who gave birth to the twins
in October 2006, says the split left her penniless.
In filing her documents, Michaels also
claims “irreconcilable differences” and asks for full custody of
the couple's children with visitation rights for Etheridge. She also
is asking the court to grant her spousal support.
Michaels filed for a dissolution of
marriage. Attorney Steve Knowles told PEOPLE that Michaels' filing
was symbolic and that his client would amend the complaint if the
court asked.
The women exchanged vows in Malibu,
California in 2003. They reportedly attempted to marry during the
2008 June-to-November window when gay marriage was legal in
California.
Etheridge has said her breakup with
Michaels was mutual.