The Conners Star Michael Fishman's Wife Files for Divorce After Nearly 20 Years of Marriage
Michael Fishman’s wife has filed for divorce after nearly 20 years of marriage.
According to court documents filed Monday and obtained by PEOPLE, Jennifer Fishman has requested that the couple’s marriage be legally dissolved. She cited “irreconcilable differences” in the documents.
The pair wed Oct. 22, 1999 and separated June 16, 2017, the documents state.
They share two children together: a son and 16-year-old daughter Isabelle.
She has requested joint legal custody of Isabelle, that sole physical custody go to Michael, and that she be awarded child visitation.
Additionally, Jennifer requested that the court’s ability to award support to both herself and Michael be terminated. Jennifer also requested to pay the attorney’s fees and costs.
Alongside Jennifer’s divorce filing was Michael’s response, which mirrored her documents.
“We continue to work together to put our kids first,” Michael, 37, told TMZ following the divorce filing.
PEOPLE is out to Michael’s agent for comment.
The decision to legally end their marriage comes nearly four months after Jennifer filed documents for legal separation from Michael, best known for playing D.J. Conner on the long-running series Roseanne and its spinoff The Conners, TMZ reported.
According to TMZ, the actor said the decision to split with Jennifer was amicable. The duo have been in the process separating since June 2017 but was delayed when production on Roseanne was halted.
In a statement to TMZ, Michael revealed why the former couple chose to file for legal separation over divorce, saying he wants to keep their split as amicable as possible.
“Among the reasons for not getting a regular divorce is the shared desire to keep Jenny covered by my health insurance, and allow to slowly unfold our 20 years together in a way mutually beneficial for our family, particularly on behalf of our children,” he said.
Michael also addressed the split on Instagram on Dec. 29.
“Nineteen years ago, as young kids, Jennifer and I entered marriage with little more than love,” the statement began. “All marriages are complex, with tremendous growth and change over the course of a twenty-year relationship. Goals shift, life challenges us, and our twenty years together have been a resounding success. We are raising two wonderful children who continue to be the focus of our decision making, they remain our top priority.”
The statement continued: “We completed our marriage with compassion, kindness, and respect. Opting to postpone filing until after the holidays and the completion of our son’s first semester at college. Through love and communication, we are transitioning our family, unraveling the complex responsibilities forged over nineteen years. Collectively we are focused on privately making the transition as seamless and undisruptive for our family.”
In December, Michael shared a smiling photo of the family enjoying a meal together with the caption, “Family breakfast.”
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