The world seems to think that the custody battle between Usher Raymond and his ex-wife Tameka Foster Raymond is over and done after the Judge in the case, Bensonetta Tipton Lane released the final order granting Usher “primary” custody of their two young sons.
[READ: Raymond vs. Raymond: Judge Rules in Usher’s Favor in Custody Battle Against Tameka]
But trust me when I tell you Tameka is NOT giving up without a fight! Especially since Usher’s attorney and the judge who ruled over their child custody battle, may have a relationship that created a bias in the case!
Yuup… it’s about to get good!
Exclusive details + explosive documents showing link between Usher’s attorney & the judge below…
For those who don’t know, Usher was represented in the custody battle by attorneys Ivory T. Brown and John Mayoue.
According to documents registered with the Georgia Government Transparency and Finance Commission, the law firm of Warner, Mayoue, Bates & Nolen, PC held a fundraising reception for Judge Lane back in 2008.
$1,278 is listed above, a small amount? sure… but it’s possible Usher’s attorney’s connection to Judge Lane could potentially be seen as enough of a bias to warrant new proceedings under a new judge.
*** [UPDATE: The document above shows $1,278 because that was the amount it cost to HOST the fundraiser (for stamps, invites, etc…), while in all actuality the firm raised a total of over $24,115.91 for the judge’s campaign.] ?***
If you have any doubts that Usher & his team had unequal footing in the case, here are a few things to consider:
1. Prior to the end of closing arguments last week, a reporter asked Mayoue if he’d had a hand in any fundraising for the judge and he said he didn’t know anything about it. Did Mayoue forget that his firm held the fundraiser back in ’08?
2. Just hours after closing arguments in the case, sources spoke of a phone call made by Usher where he asked Tameka “How does it feel to lose?”… IF this happened, how the heck did Usher know he’d won the case before the judge had even rendered her decision?
3. Another major issue to note… Usher’s blatant disregard for Tameka’s attorney’s request that he take that drug test! While Tameka actually submitted to each request that was asked of her… i.e. drug tests, psychiatric evaluation, etc. Why was Usher allowed to brush off p*ssing in the cup…
[READ: Raymond vs. Raymond: Usher’s Ex Says He Does Drugs… and She Has PROOF!]
4. Oh… and about that psych exam? My sources say that the doctor used for both exams was chosen and PAID for by Usher (you do the math) and while the exams showed that both had “narcissistic” tendencies (i.e. they’re both a bit loco!), Usher’s attorney tried to say that only Tameka had a “mental disorder.”
5. During Tameka’s sister’s testimony, she spoke about Usher’s dysfunctional relationship with his mother, who he refers to as “Jonnetta” (never Mom), and how he drove his truck HEAD ON into her vehicle 3 times on October 18, 2009.
Usher was reportedly so angry with his mom that he wanted to hurt her (she was in the vehicle as he drove into it)…
They have a VERY volatile relationship. She is controlling, bossy and would disrespect him, as if he was 9 years old. This is WHY she is not managing him.
Mommy issues aren’t an issue apparently.
And last but not least, we’ve all questioned the Judge’s decision to release the portion of the order that cited Usher for contempt, prior to her releasing the final order where she ultimately ruled in his favor. Could that have been another one of Usher & his team’s manipulation of the media? Seems plausible… since he already knew he was going to win, why not give Tameka a lil bit before he hit that slam dunk?
Anywhoo… loyal reader VAY (hey girl!) was able to break down the judges order for us in the comments section and she did a great job of noting all the pertinent points of the order. Clearly the two can’t communicate effectively and while the judge has granted Usher “primary” physical custody, the order suggests that each party has to consult with the other regarding the children.
Shouts out to HipHopEnquirer for obtaining the final order, which you can read the documents below if you have some free time.
BTW… the couple has to return to court September 11th to hash out a few financial matters… Like, who’s paying for Tameka’s legal fees.
As you know, it was Usher who initiated the custody proceedings and while clearly Tameka needed to hire attorneys to defend herself against the action, Usher doesn’t feel that he should have to pay… for Tameka’s attorneys that is (clearly her friends are another matter).
Did Usher’s attorney’s prior relationship with the judge create an unfair bias in the custody battle?
It ain’t over til it’s over…