Navigating the complexities of surrogacy can be challenging, and Sherri Shepherd’s journey is a testament to that. Let’s delve into the series of events surrounding her son with ex-husband Lamar Sally and how things unfolded.
The Surrogacy Agreement and Subsequent Divorce
Sherri Shepherd, a well-known actress and former co-host of The View, married television writer Lamar Sally in 2011. Eager to expand their family, they opted for surrogacy due to Shepherd’s fertility challenges. They used an egg donor and Sally’s sperm, with a gestational surrogate carrying the child. However, their relationship hit turbulent waters, leading to their separation in May 2014, when the surrogate was already pregnant.
Legal Disputes Over Parental Responsibility
Post-divorce, Shepherd sought to distance herself from parental obligations, attempting to have her name removed from the child’s birth certificate. She contended that she was misled into the surrogacy arrangement. Nonetheless, in April 2015, a Pennsylvania court ruled her as the legal mother, emphasizing the enforceability of the surrogacy contract. Consequently, she was mandated to pay child support.
Child Support and Custody Arrangements
Following the court’s decision, Shepherd was ordered to pay $4,100 monthly in child support to Sally for their son, Lamar Jr. This amount was set to increase to $4,600 when the child turned 13. Shepherd has had minimal involvement in Lamar Jr.’s life, with Sally assuming primary custody.
Attempts to Modify Child Support
In December 2015, Sally sought an increase in child support, citing Shepherd’s augmented earnings. However, by January 2017, a judge denied his request, determining that New Jersey retained jurisdiction over the matter, and the existing arrangement remained appropriate.
Current Status
As of now, Shepherd continues to fulfill her child support obligations. She has expressed intentions to appeal past rulings but remains legally recognized as Lamar Jr.’s mother.
