NBA Star Dwayne Wade Seeks Sole Custody of His Children

As reported by the Chicago Tribune, Dwayne Wade took the stand for the first time on October 15 in the custody trial of his two sons. Most of his testimony was in defense of allegations made by his former wife, Siohvaughn Wade.

Wade contended that it was Siohvaughn that became violent toward him during their marriage, and that he never abused her or their children.

Wade is seeking sole custody of his two young boys, aged three and eight. He said that his desire for full custody is not because he doesn't want to pay their mother for their support, or to punish her for accusing him publicly of domestic violence.

He also wanted to dispel the statement - made by Siohvaughn Wade - that he has a sexually transmitted disease. 

Wade said that though "on the basketball court, it might be a little different," he is a mild-mannered man off the court.

In his testimony he reported that his former wife tried several different techniques to keep him from his children. She didn't answer his texts, e-mails and phone calls. Once she took the boys to a hospital and told Wade that they were too ill for his scheduled visit. Police were called twice to intervene for the couple.

During his five hour long testimony, Wade claimed that Siohvaughn had changed from the girl me knew, and grew to love, while in high school together. In the course of their marriage she had grown controlling and argumentative. Once, after losing her temper, she slashed all four tires on his car - because she didn't want him to go out to celebrate his birthday.

Wade said, "Looking back, as I have to go back and talk about some of the things, you kind of have to ask yourself, 'How did you deal with it for that long?'"

The court-appointed representative for the two boys, Lester Barclay, is not only advocating Wade for sole custody, he also has asked that Siohvaughn Wade be given a mental evaluation.

Barclay said, "I just think there's been too much interference with the relationship between Dad and the children under Mom's watch, and I think some of these things have been intentional, because I think while he is moving on, she is holding on."

Wade would like Siohvaughn to "get healthy first" and remain in his children's lives.

He also contended that his career with the Miami Heat would not interfere with his ability to care for his young boys. 

If Wade is granted sole custody, his sister has agreed to move to Miami to help him with the children and he will employ a nanny.  He has also checked into the schools in Miami. 

Before the custody battle was a lengthy divorce proceeding. 

His eight-year-old son becomes visibly upset whenever the divorce, or the custody, is discussed. Wade said, "As a father, it hurts me to see him hurting."

If you are enmeshed in a custody dispute, speaking to an experienced family attorney is crucial. Click here to find one close to you today!