Elon Musk’s legal woes grow as NYC court demands appearance over custody case with Ashley St. Clair; paternity test next?

Elon Musk’s ongoing legal troubles have taken a new turn as a New York City court has ordered the billionaire to appear for a custody battle concerning his alleged 13th child, as per a report.

Court to review child support and parental involvement

The case, filed by Ashley St. Clair, is set to bring Musk face-to-face with legal obligations that could include a paternity test and discussions of child support, as per People report.

St. Clair, a conservative influencer, filed a petition in late February seeking sole custody of their five-month-old son, referred to by his initials R.S.C, reported People. The filing requests that Musk attend the New York County Courthouse on May 29 to answer questions regarding his parental involvement and whether he should take a paternity test, according to the report.


The case is being overseen by New York Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey H. Pearlman, who will also review the possibility of Musk being ordered to pay child support for his child with St. Clair.

Elon Musk has not accepted court filing

St. Clair's attorney, Karen B. Rosenthal, said that Musk has yet to officially accept the court filing either in person or through his legal team, reported People.

Rosenthal said, "Despite requests, Musk has still not accepted service of the motion papers via his alleged attorneys, which is easy enough to do," as quoted in the report. She also mentioned that "It should be noted that no attorney has opted into the NYSCEF system claiming they represent Musk," as per the report. Rosenthal added, "We don’t have anyone we can properly speak with. It's unnecessary gamesmanship when there’s an infant involved," quoted People.

Court case jurisdiction to remain in New York

According to the report, St. Clair’s legal team argued that the case should be heard in New York City, where she resides. She emphasized that Musk already has New York-based attorneys, and they are aiming to avoid attempting to serve him at places like the White House, a move they consider a poor optic.

Musk’s limited involvement

St. Clair claimed Musk was absent during the birth of R.S.C., born in September 2024, and that he has only met his son three times since his birth, reported People. In her filing, St. Clair states that Musk has shown limited involvement in the care and upbringing of the child.

Musk acknowledged paternity

She also submitted evidence that Musk acknowledged paternity in written communications, including a text message exchange after R.S.C.'s birth, in which Musk allegedly said, "I look forward to seeing you and him this weekend," as per the report.

Despite these acknowledgements, St. Clair is pushing for sole legal custody, citing Musk’s lack of ongoing involvement, as per the People report. She revealed that Musk’s last visit with the child was on November 30, 2024, for just 30 minutes.

FAQs

What is the case of custody?
Elon Musk is sued in a custody dispute with Ashley St. Clair over their five-month-old son, R.S.C., and the case may include a paternity test and negotiations regarding child support, People reported.

When is Elon Musk due to go to court?
Musk is instructed to report to the New York County Courthouse on May 29.