Rodney Atkins Files for Divorce Following Domestic Violence Arrest

Country crooner seeks to end his union with his estranged spouse after domestic spat

By Josh Grossberg Dec 15, 2011 11:09 PMTags
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Rodney Atkins is looking to end his marriage.

On the same day we learned about his Nov. 21 arrest on domestic violence charges for allegedly trying to smother his wife with a pillow, E! News has confirmed that the country singer has officially filed for divorce.

So what do the legal papers reveal?

Per his petition filed in Williamson County, Tennessee on Nov. 22, the day after he was taken into custody, Atkins cited irreconcilable differences as the reason as well as "inappropriate marital conduct" on Tammy Jo Atkins' part that "renders further cohabitation unsafe and improper."

The 42-year-old entertainer was taken into custody after his missus called 911, claiming the two had got into a violent altercation that culminated with him trying to smother her with a pillow. She also alleged he grabbed her face and threw her down a hallway in front of their 10-year-old son, Elijah.

Rodney Atkins has adamantly denied the accusations.

On the same day he moved to dissolve their marriage, a judge signed a temporary restraining order prohibiting both Rodney and Tammy from "harassing, threatening, assaulting or abusing the other party."

Additionally, the court barred them from disposing of any marital property or relocating their children outside the state without the court's permission (Rodney also has two step-daughters).

The country star seeks joint custody of Elijah.

In her counter-complaint, Tammy also cites irreconcilable differences and asks that the court grant her sole custody of the boy. In addition, she's seeking alimony, child support and legal fees from her estranged hubby.