Rocker Melissa Etheridge has responded to claims by her former wife that she left her and their children penniless.

The two women announced their split after nine years in April. In separate filings to end their California domestic partnership, each claim “irreconcilable differences.” Etheridge is asking the court for joint custody of the couple's twin 3-year-old children, son Miller and daughter Johnnie Rose. Michaels, who gave birth to the twins, says she wants full custody of the children with visitation rights for Etheridge.

Michaels' lawyer Steven Knowles told PEOPLE that his client is “destitute.” “Literally, she has no cash,” he said.

In responding to the allegations, Etheridge told celebrity glossy Us that the women were “working things out.”

“No,” she said, “it's not [true]. It's always one person's perspective, and one person's perspective through hurt and fear, and anger. You're going to get a pretty dark picture.”

When asked if she was dating anyone, she answered: “Suffice it to say, I am a very happy woman. Yes.”