NBA player Paul George and Daniela Rajic, a former dancer at Tootsie’s Cabaret in Miami are close to finalizing their child custody dispute. According to George’s lawyer, the two are finalizing a “joint parenting, joint decision-making” resolution over their 5-month-old daughter, Olivia.
Paternity Suit and Child Custody Battle
George,24, a forward for the Indiana Pacers, was locked in a nasty custody battle with Rajic, 24, when she brought a paternity suit against him after baby Olivia was born in May. It sounds like that battle is coming to an end. Just this past week, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Matthew Cooper, the judge presiding over their custody case, joked it was a “love fest” between the two. He was pleased to see that George and Rajic chatting before the hearing began. He went on to say it looked like “two people who understand they’re going to be tied together for a real long time,” Cooper said. Adding, “They will both be participating in their daughter’s life, and that makes me feel extremely gratified. I am very pleased that this case has moved forward the way it has.”
George Hasn’t Met Daughter
George has not yet met his daughter, and in prior hearings Cooper skewered George for dodging the paternity suit. The basketball player had failed to appear at court dates, despite being able easily attend press conferences and traveling. “He has gone to every length imaginable to avoid taking responsibility for his actions,” the judge wrote. George’s new attorney, Harriet N. Cohen, said, “Paul George is looking forward to a very, very wonderful relationship with his daughter.”
Must Finalize Resolution
The parents will not be required to return to court as long as they finalize a resolution. The agreement will also include child support. In May, Rajic filed the paternity suit against George in Manhattan Family Court. George responded with his own filing, in Florida, seeking full custody of their daughter. George claimed shared custody would be “detrimental” to Olivia because Rajic is unemployed. She’s now taken on the roll of a full-time mother, while living with her parents. “I’m happy everything’s resolved and is moving forward. We’ll be wonderful parents,” she beamed.
George broke his right leg during practice with Team USA in August. He is out for recovery.
Source: New York Post, Pacers star’s parenting deal with ex-stripper baby mama, October 17, 2014
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