Kelly Rutherford, best known for her role in the hit TV series Gossip Girl, has finally found peace after a challenging and heartbreaking custody battle with her ex-husband, Daniel Giersch. In a recent interview with People, Rutherford opened up about her journey and how she has focused on the positive aspects of her life.
Rutherford and Giersch were married from 2006 to 2010 and have two children together, son Hermés and daughter Helena. The custody battle began when Rutherford filed for divorce while pregnant with Helena in 2009. The couple fought over custody, resulting in a temporary agreement for joint physical custody shortly after Helena's birth.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Giersch was deported in 2012 after his visa was revoked. He took their children to Monaco, where he decided to reside permanently since he could not enter the United States. Rutherford then filed for primary custody, hoping to have her kids stay with her in the U.S.
In August 2012, an American judge ruled that joint custody should remain in place because Giersch couldn't travel to the States. This decision meant the children would live with their father, and Rutherford could only visit them. Despite Rutherford's appeal, the petition was denied, leading her to file for bankruptcy in 2013 after spending a significant sum on legal fees.
Rutherford's fight for her children continued, and she was briefly awarded sole custody in California in May 2015. However, two months later, a judge in Monaco ruled that Giersch should have full custody. Rutherford refused to return her children to Monaco, which resulted in Giersch accusing her of child abduction. Eventually, a judge in Monaco reaffirmed Giersch's full custody rights in December 2015, allowing Rutherford extensive visitation rights.
Throughout the years of missing special moments as her children grew up, Rutherford credits keeping 'love' in her heart for helping her endure. Although her situation was unique, she believes that many people can relate to challenging relationships with their kids. Rutherford emphasizes the importance of healing, growing, and appreciating the lessons learned from difficult experiences.
Now settled in Monaco, Rutherford is grateful to spend time with her kids as they navigate their teenage years. With her children becoming more independent and focused on their own lives, Rutherford jokes that they sometimes tell her to 'get on with [her] life.' She admits that being a mother to teenagers is different but believes in being there for her kids when they need her.
As Rutherford's children continue to grow, she knows they will always need their mom. It's a natural and beautiful change for them to develop their own lives, and she cherishes the moments they share. With a focus on the positive, Rutherford has found peace and is now embracing her own life, spending time with her dogs, working, and traveling.
Kelly Rutherford's journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, healing and growth are possible. Her story highlights the importance of love, resilience, and being there for our children as they navigate life's challenges and transitions.
