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In a contentious legal battle that has drawn national attention, Hunter Biden has argued in a new filing that his estrangement from his 7-year-old daughter Navy Joan Roberts is legally irrelevant, claiming he has no court-ordered obligation to maintain a relationship with the child.
The 55-year-old son of former President Joe Biden made the statement Tuesday through his attorney in response to a renewed paternity suit filed by his ex-girlfriend Lunden Roberts in Arkansas. Roberts, who previously worked as a stripper, has accused Biden of violating their 2023 settlement agreement and is seeking increased child support payments.
According to court documents, Roberts reopened the case on January 13, alleging that Biden’s sudden withdrawal from their daughter’s life caused the child “emotional trauma.” Roberts claims Biden “ghosted” Navy after a brief period during which they had established regular communication through scheduled calls.
“This has caused issues for Navy, who recently experienced emotional trauma at a family member’s wedding when she realized that her dad would not walk her down the aisle or dance with her at her own wedding reception,” Roberts stated in her filing.
Biden’s legal team, however, has moved to dismiss all of Roberts’ demands, arguing that the child’s emotional state and her relationship with Biden are “not relevant to contempt or modification of child support.” His attorney, Davis Langdon, emphasized that the court never mandated personal communication between father and daughter as part of their agreement.
The legal dispute also involves paintings that Biden allegedly promised as part of their 2023 settlement. Roberts claims Biden failed to deliver the artwork, which she says has significantly decreased in value since his father left office. Biden’s self-taught paintings reportedly commanded six-figure prices during Joe Biden’s presidency.
In response, Biden’s legal team stated that no specific timeline was established for delivering the artwork, adding that “as long as thirty paintings are assigned to the Child by Defendant will have complied with the Order.” They further noted that Navy will be able to select the paintings she wants by a specific, though undisclosed, deadline.
The 2023 settlement significantly reduced Biden’s monthly child support payments from $20,000 to $5,000, with some obligations to be fulfilled through his artwork. Roberts now seeks an increase in support payments, citing Biden’s “lavish lifestyle” and the disparity between Navy’s living conditions and those of Biden’s other four children.
Hunter Biden has five children in total, including three with his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and one with his current wife, Melissa Cohen. Navy Joan Roberts, who was born in 2018, was initially not acknowledged by Biden until a paternity test confirmed their relationship in a 2019 court case.
Biden’s legal team has characterized Roberts’ allegations as attempts made “merely for the purpose of embarrassing Defendant and making a national spectacle of Defendant’s personal life.” This legal dispute comes at a time when Hunter Biden is already facing significant public scrutiny, having recently received a presidential pardon from his father for federal gun charges.
The case has reignited debate about parental responsibilities and obligations in high-profile families. While child support laws typically focus on financial obligations, the emotional components of parenting often remain outside legal mandates in many jurisdictions.
A judge in Arkansas will now determine whether Roberts’ claims warrant reopening the case and potentially modifying the existing child support arrangement. The decision could have implications for Navy’s financial future and possibly the nature of her relationship with her father going forward.
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11 Comments
This is a challenging situation, and I hope the parties can find a way to resolve it in a manner that prioritizes the child’s well-being. While the legal arguments are important, the emotional needs of the child should be the guiding factor. I wish all involved the wisdom to navigate this complex case.
Well said. The child’s best interests must be the top priority, even if it means the adults have to put aside their own differences. A thoughtful, empathetic approach from all sides is crucial in these types of sensitive cases.
This is an unfortunate situation. While I understand the legal complexities, the child’s needs should come first. I hope the parties can find a resolution that provides stability and support for the child, even if the personal relationship between the parents is strained.
Well said. The child’s welfare must be the guiding principle, even when the adults are in disagreement. With empathy and compromise, a solution that prioritizes the child’s interests can hopefully be reached.
Custody and child support cases can become very contentious. I hope both parties can put aside their differences and focus on what’s best for the child, regardless of the legal technicalities. The emotional well-being of the child should be the top priority.
Custody battles can be incredibly difficult, especially when public figures are involved. I hope both parties can put the child’s needs first and find a solution that provides stability and support for the young girl, regardless of the legal technicalities.
Custody disputes can be incredibly difficult, especially when high-profile individuals are involved. I hope the parties can find a way to put the child’s needs first and come to an agreement that provides stability and support for the young girl.
This is a sensitive and complex case. While I understand the legal arguments, the child’s emotional well-being should be the top priority. I hope the parties can find a way to resolve this matter amicably and provide the support and stability the child needs.
You’re absolutely right. The child’s best interests must take precedence, even if it means the adults have to put aside their own differences. A thoughtful, child-centered approach is crucial in these types of cases.
This is a complex and sensitive case involving a high-profile family. I hope the parties can resolve this matter amicably and prioritize the well-being of the child. Maintaining a relationship with one’s child is important, but there may be valid legal and personal reasons for the estrangement.
You raise a fair point. The legal and personal dynamics likely involve nuances that are not fully public. An open and empathetic approach from all sides would be ideal to find the best outcome for the child.