Denise Richards ordered to pay staggering amount to ex Aaron Phypers as divorce drags on

Denise Richards’ estranged husband Aaron Phyper’s request for temporary spousal support has been granted.

In a major win for Phypers in court Thursday, Richards was ordered to pay her ex $5,000 a month, as well as $30,000 in attorney’s fees.

Judge Nicole Bershon clarified that the hefty sum will only be applied to the divorce proceedings, not Phypers’ criminal defense.

The 53-year-old, notably, is facing four felony counts — two felony counts of injuring a spouse, and two felony counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat — which he has denied.

The $30,000 will be paid in thirds, with the first $10,000 chunk due at the end of March.

As for the monthly $5,000 bill, Bershon broke it down as $2000 a month for Phypers’ rent, $1,000 for his car, $1,000 for food and the rest for miscellaneous expenses.

Phypers, who claimed during the hearing to only have $200 to his name, said the amount would “certainly help” — but he’s taking things “one day at a time.”

Richards muttered that she couldn’t “afford” the bill when the decision was made, according to the California Post.

The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, 55, explained she “could barely pay for [her] attorney” and had been “blowing through everything” she was making while married to Phypers between 2018 and 2025.

The Bravolebrity added that she has “nothing” invested, and her lawyer, Mark Gross, pointed out the “pretty extraordinary” cost of caring for her 14-year-old daughter, Eloise, who has a rare chromosomal disorder resulting in developmental delays.

Gross also argued that “victims of abuse shouldn’t be required to support their abuser,” referencing Richards being granted a permanent restraining order against Phypers in November 2025.

Phypers’ lawyer, however, pointed out that the Quantum 360 founder has yet to be convicted.

Reps for Richards and Phypers have yet to respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.

The former couple called it quits last summer, with Richards reflecting on the “painful year” of “letting go [and] truths being exposed” via Instagram last month.

“As painful as it is, I’m so grateful for the clarity,” the “Denise Richards & Her Wild Things” star wrote in January.

Richards’ divorce from Phypers is her second, as she was previously married to Charlie Sheen, with whom she welcomed daughters Sami, 21, and Lola, 20.

Phypers, for his part, divorced actress Nicolette Sheridan in 2018 after three years of marriage.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.