The divorce of DJ Mustard (real name Dijon Isaiah McFarlane), a Grammy-winning producer and one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, has become a significant story, not just because of the personalities involved but also due to the financial details of the settlement. After years of marriage, DJ Mustard and his ex-wife, Chanel Thierry, reached a divorce agreement that includes a hefty $24,500 per month in child support, joint custody of their three children, and the division of significant assets such as luxury cars and real estate.
While celebrity divorces often capture the public’s attention, the legal implications and the reasoning behind such high child support payments deserve more exploration. In this article, we’ll break down the terms of DJ Mustard’s divorce settlement, focusing on the legal concept of child support and how courts calculate it, especially in high-income cases like this one.
The Background: DJ Mustard and Chanel Thierry’s Divorce
DJ Mustard and Chanel Thierry were together for many years before tying the knot in 2020. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last, and after filing for divorce, the couple went through months of legal negotiations before settling on terms that would address both spousal and child support, as well as the division of their extensive assets.
The divorce, finalized in 2024, includes several key elements:
- DJ Mustard’s Asset Retention: Mustard was able to retain ownership of various high-value assets, including a 2022 Maybach, a 2018 Lamborghini, a 1960 Chevy Impala, four motorcycles, jet skis, and several residential properties in Chatsworth and Simi Valley, California. These were deemed separate from any communal assets and thus not subject to equal division.
- Chanel’s Financial Outcome: Chanel will receive a one-time spousal support buyout payment of $315,000. She will also retain ownership of her business, Sleepover, a pajama company she founded during their marriage. Additionally, she was awarded a Tesla and a one-time “equalization payment” of $275,000 to balance the division of real estate and personal property.
- Joint Custody and Child Support: The couple shares joint legal custody of their three children, and DJ Mustard is required to pay Chanel $24,500 a month in child support, amounting to nearly $300,000 annually.
Understanding Child Support: What It Is and Why It Matters
Child support is a critical component of family law and is intended to ensure that children receive appropriate financial support from both parents, regardless of the circumstances of their separation. Child support is typically calculated based on the income of both parents, the needs of the children, and the custodial arrangements in place.
In California, where DJ Mustard’s divorce was settled, the courts use specific guidelines to determine child support payments. The goal is to maintain the children’s standard of living and ensure their needs are met, even after their parents’ separation.
How Child Support is Calculated in California
In California, child support is calculated based on a statutory formula that takes into account several factors, including:
- The Income of Both Parents: This is the most significant factor in determining child support. Income includes wages, salaries, bonuses, royalties, rental income, and other forms of earnings. For someone like DJ Mustard, whose income is derived from producing music and royalties, his total monthly earnings will be considered.
- Custody Arrangements: The amount of time the children spend with each parent can influence child support. In this case, DJ Mustard and Chanel share joint legal custody, meaning both parents will make decisions regarding the children’s upbringing. However, physical custody may not be equally split, which could result in higher support payments from the parent who has less physical custody.
- The Standard of Living: Courts consider the standard of living the children enjoyed during the marriage. The goal is to ensure that the children maintain a comparable lifestyle post-divorce. In high-income divorces like DJ Mustard’s, this can result in significantly higher payments.
- Special Needs of the Children: If the children have any medical, educational, or special needs, these will also be factored into the support calculation.
The state uses a guideline formula known as the California Child Support Calculator, which typically looks like this:CS=K×((HN−(HN×T))+((HN×T)−0.5×W))CS = K \times \left( \left( HN – (HN \times T) \right) + \left( (HN \times T) – 0.5 \times W \right) \right)CS=K×((HN−(HN×T))+((HN×T)−0.5×W))
Where:
- CS is the child support amount.
- K is the income percentage to be allocated for child support.
- HN is the net disposable income of the higher-earning parent.
- T is the percentage of time the children spend with each parent.
- W is the net disposable income of the lower-earning parent.
In DJ Mustard’s case, his significant earnings from music production, royalties, and endorsements would contribute to a high child support amount, especially when compared to the average income earners.
Why $24,500 Per Month?
Some may question why DJ Mustard is required to pay $24,500 per month in child support, especially when compared to the national average. However, when you consider his income and the lifestyle his children are accustomed to, the amount becomes more understandable.
Let’s break down the factors that led to such a high figure:
- High Income of DJ Mustard: As one of the top music producers in the industry, DJ Mustard earns millions annually. In such cases, child support payments are naturally higher to reflect the earning capacity of the parent and the lifestyle enjoyed by the family during the marriage.
- Maintaining the Children’s Standard of Living: DJ Mustard’s children are used to living in luxury, attending top-tier schools, and enjoying high-end recreational activities. The court aims to ensure that the children’s lifestyle remains consistent, despite the divorce.
- Joint Custody but Not Equal Physical Custody: While DJ Mustard and Chanel share joint legal custody, it’s possible that Chanel has primary physical custody. This means that the children spend more time living with her, leading to higher support payments to help with everyday living expenses, schooling, and healthcare.
- Chanel’s Lower Income: Although Chanel runs a successful pajama company, her income likely pales in comparison to DJ Mustard’s substantial earnings. Therefore, he is required to contribute more to ensure the children’s needs are adequately met.
What’s Included in Child Support?
Child support payments cover a range of expenses related to the care and well-being of the children. In DJ Mustard’s case, the $24,500 per month will likely go toward the following:
- Basic Living Expenses: This includes housing, utilities, groceries, clothing, and other necessities to ensure the children live comfortably.
- Healthcare: Children require regular medical and dental check-ups, as well as health insurance. These costs are often factored into child support payments.
- Education: This could cover private school tuition, tutoring, extracurricular activities, and other educational expenses.
- Childcare: If the custodial parent requires childcare due to work commitments, the non-custodial parent’s child support payments can help cover those costs.
- Recreational Activities: Sports, hobbies, and other extracurricular activities are also often covered by child support, especially when the children have been used to participating in such activities.
Spousal Support vs. Child Support
In addition to child support, DJ Mustard agreed to pay Chanel a one-time spousal support payment of $315,000. It’s essential to understand the difference between spousal support (also known as alimony) and child support.
- Spousal Support: This is paid to support the lower-earning spouse after a divorce and is meant to help them maintain their standard of living, especially if they were financially dependent on the higher-earning spouse during the marriage. In DJ Mustard’s case, the one-time payment likely reflects an agreement to avoid ongoing monthly payments.
- Child Support: On the other hand, child support is exclusively for the benefit of the children. It ensures that their financial needs are met, regardless of the marital status of their parents.
The Equalization Payment: A Unique Aspect of This Case
One notable aspect of DJ Mustard’s divorce settlement is the $275,000 “equalization payment.” This is a one-time payment designed to equalize the division of assets between the two parties. Since DJ Mustard retained most of the luxury vehicles and real estate, this payment ensures that Chanel receives a fair share of the marital assets.
This type of payment is less common but not unheard of in high-asset divorces, where one spouse ends up with a significant portion of the couple’s tangible assets. The equalization payment is meant to balance that out financially.
Final Thoughts on the DJ Mustard Divorce
The finalization of DJ Mustard and Chanel Thierry’s divorce may mark the end of their marriage, but it also sets the stage for their co-parenting journey. While the financial details are staggering to the average person, they reflect the couple’s high-income lifestyle and the need to provide for their children.
From a legal standpoint, this case highlights the importance of child support and how courts work to ensure the financial stability of children after a divorce. Whether you’re a celebrity or not, child support laws are in place to protect the well-being of children, ensuring they continue to live a life that is as unaffected as possible by their parents’ separation.
For those going through similar experiences, understanding how child support is calculated and the factors that contribute to it can provide clarity during an often emotionally and financially challenging process. As we’ve seen in DJ Mustard’s case, the goal is always to put the children’s best interests first, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
