Karen Derrico and Deon, the stars of Doubling Down With the Derricos, have officially divorced, revealing partial details about the custody of their 14 children. The news has left many TLC fans feeling devastated, although hints of marital problems were already noticeable in the current season of the show. Here’s what you need to know.
TMZ reported that Karen and Deon finalized their divorce within two days, indicating that they likely worked out the arrangements beforehand. Some viewers had hoped that the tension showcased on the show was merely for dramatic effect. Unfortunately, the reality is that the couple has split, and now their 14 children have divorced parents.
Karen Derrico will receive $1,166 per month from Deon, which means she will have limited funds for each child: Darian, Derrick, Denver, Dallas, Deonee, Daician, Daiten, Deniko, Dariz, Diez, Dior, Dawsyn, De’Aren, and Dyver. Although the amount may seem insufficient, considering the need to cover medical insurance, the “split legal and physical” custody arrangement might work in Karen’s favor.
While TLC fans speculate about the divorce, the specific details of the agreement are unknown. It’s unclear how long the children will spend with each parent and who will cover expenses such as food and clothing while they are with Deon. Many variables likely factored into their divorce settlement.
Fans can only hope that Karen Derrico and Deon prioritize the best interests of their children. In the current season, viewers witnessed Karen collapsing while skiing, causing concern for the well-being of the kids. Karen’s mother, Marian “GG” Derrico, expressed her thoughts, saying, “First thing I started thinking about [were] the kids because they don’t need to be without their mother. Not even for a day!”
Despite their split, Deon Derrico and Karen remain united in their commitment to parenting their 14 children. In a statement to People, they emphasized that the children’s well-being is their top priority. They expressed gratitude for the understanding and support they have received as they navigate their new family dynamic.
The future of Doubling Down With the Derricos remains uncertain. The show’s poor ratings may lead to its cancellation, although TLC has not made any official announcements yet. Ending the show could pose financial challenges, but it is unlikely that the children’s father would allow them to endure significant hardship. Even amidst their disagreements, Deon and Karen agreed that they would not harm the kids, as evidenced by their discussion about mold in their new house.