Mercedes Javid Files for Divorce from Tommy Feight — Legal Battle Begins Over Son Shams' Custody
Published October 20, 2024, By George Daniel., Family Law Contributor
Mercedes “MJ” Javid says the sun has officially set on her marriage to Tommy Feight. The Shahs of Sunset star has filed for divorce after more than seven years together, signaling the end of one of Bravo’s most well-known reality TV marriages and the start of a serious legal battle over their child.
Court filings, submitted late Friday in Los Angeles County, cite irreconcilable differences under California’s no-fault divorce law. This common legal basis means neither party needs to prove fault, simply that the marriage has broken down beyond repair.
According to attorney Brittany Aberle of Emily Rubenstein Law PC “In California, there are only two grounds for divorce — ‘irreconcilable differences’ and ‘permanent legal incapacity.’”
Javid listed October 17 as the date of separation—just one day before filing—indicating the decision came swiftly.
The 51-year-old reality personality requested that the court block spousal support for both herself and Feight, meaning neither party is seeking ongoing financial assistance. The major point of contention, however, appears to be their 6-year-old son, Shams.
Mercedes “MJ” Javid and her husband Tommy Feight pictured at a Make-A-Wish Foundation gala in Los Angeles. Javid has now filed for divorce after seven years of marriage.
The Custody Request: Sole Physical and Legal Custody
In a significant move, Javid has requested sole physical and legal custody of Shams. She did note that she is open to a visitation arrangement for Tommy Feight.
For most families, this term is immediately alarming, but what does it mean under California law, and why is a sole custody request common in high-profile filings?
- Sole Physical Custody: The child primarily lives with one parent (Javid), and that parent is responsible for the child's daily care and schedule. The other parent (Feight) is typically awarded scheduled visitation rights.
- Sole Legal Custody: One parent (Javid) has the exclusive right to make major decisions about the child's health, education, and welfare.
The request to block spousal support and seek sole custody sets the stage for formal divorce proceedings, which are scheduled to begin at a hearing on December 18.
From Reality TV to Real-Life Legal Drama: What Happens Next?
Javid’s journey—from her reality TV debut to her well-documented marriage to Feight—has kept fans engaged for years. Now, as their relationship moves into the court system, it becomes a legal case governed by the same family laws that affect everyday people across the state. Tommy Feight has not made any public comment regarding the divorce.
⚖️ The Legal Outlook: How California Family Courts Decide
Under California law, a divorce process must undergo a six-month mandatory waiting period. However, the most critical element of this filing is the custody request, which is decided based on the "best interests of the child" standard.
To challenge Javid’s request for sole custody, Feight must file a formal response within 30 days. Should he contest the terms, the court will likely order the couple into Mediation before a judge ever weighs in.
When determining what is in the child’s "best interests"—especially in a high-profile case—judges typically focus on key factors that legal experts prioritize:
- Stability and Consistency: Which parent offers the most stable and reliable environment, factoring in work travel or public commitments?
- Co-Parenting Willingness: Is Javid genuinely willing to foster a healthy relationship between Shams and Feight, or vice-versa?
- Known Safety Concerns: The court will investigate any documented history of domestic disputes or safety risks.
- Parent-Child Bond: The judge will assess the strength and quality of the emotional ties between Shams and each parent.
Because Javid has requested that spousal support be waived for both sides, the court will generally uphold that request unless the couple’s financial disclosures reveal a significant disparity in income that requires intervention, or if one party's ability to care for the child is impacted.
Regarding property division, California is a Community Property state, meaning most assets acquired during the seven years of marriage will be divided equally unless a valid prenuptial agreement specifies otherwise.
Key Takeaways: Your Divorce vs. a Celebrity’s
While the high drama of a celebrity split makes headlines, the core legal process remains the same:
- It’s No-Fault: Like the Javid/Feight case, most California divorces simply cite "irreconcilable differences."
- Custody is about the Child: The "best interests" standard always overrules parental preference. A parent requesting sole custody must prove that it is genuinely better for the child than joint custody.
- The Waiting Period: Even a quick, uncontested celebrity divorce requires the same six-month mandatory waiting period as a non-celebrity filing.
Mercedes Javid’s divorce filing marks the end of a long-running reality TV love story and the start of a legal process that is bound by the same family law framework protecting all US families.
