It’s only Katie Ginella’s first season on Real Housewives of Orange County, but she’s already brought the drama by going toe-to-toe with Heather “Fancy Pants” Dubrow. However, it seems as though her life before the show was pretty chaotic for a time as well – at least judging by the recently reported details of her 2016 divorce from Andrew Sundseth.
Court documents reveal a pretty contentious court battle for custody and child support, complete with concerning accusations and a couple of back-and-forth petitions and countersuits.
Katie Ginella was ordered to pay child support after Andrew was granted full custody of their three kids
In Touch obtained the documents from Katie and Andrew’s divorce, which was settled in 2016. Katie and Andrew share three children, Max, Gavin, and Kaili. Andrew was awarded primary custody of the children and decision-making power. Katie was awarded visitation. The two agreed to not make any negative remarks about the other in the presence of their children.
Katie was required to pay $1,220 a month in child support to Andrew and hold a life insurance policy of $500,000 until she was done paying support for all three kids. Andrew claimed an income of $6,995 a month, while Katie declared $3,750.
Both Katie and Andrew declined spousal support and walked away with their possessions. Andrew also got a home in Marietta, GA, a 2006 Scion XB, and a 2003 Acura MDX. Katie had to pay $5,000 toward his legal bills.
In April 2018 – the years after Katie and Andrew’s divorce was settled – Katie petitioned the court after alleging that Andrew was emotionally abusing their children. She asked for primary custody and to terminate their support agreement.
Katie Ginella and Andrew’s divorce documents reveal some messy accusations
The emotional abuse allegations are pretty sad. Katie accused Andrew of calling their male children “bastards” and “idiots.” She claimed that he called their daughter (14 at the time) a “b*tch,” “disgrace,” and “an embarrassment.”
Katie’s petition also alleged that Andrew allowed their 11 and 8-year-old boys to be “home alone for two hours 2-3 days per week after school.”
In March 2019, the two entered a consent order, and support was terminated. Katie got custody of Kaili, and Andrew got custody of Max and Gavin.
But, the battle continued. In June 2019, Katie requested that the court find Andrew in contempt for refusing to sign documents for Kaili to enroll in a new school.
Katie also accused Andrew of giving their son Max peanut pretzels to “test” if he really had a peanut allergy. Whew.
Further, Andrew’s lawyer asked the court to find Katie in contempt. He stated, “…Ms. Ginella did not communicate about Max’s allergic reaction that he had twice and returned him to Mr. Sundseth with a face rash and a box of antihistamine medicine.”
It continued, “Ms. Ginella has intentionally, willfully, and wantonly violated the Order. Ms. Ginella’s conduct demonstrates a willful disregard and contempt for the power and authority of this Court. The court should order Ms. Ginella to cease all conduct that violates the Permanent Parenting Plan Order.”
The case was eventually dismissed in March 2023. At this time, Katie lives in the OC with her current husband, Matt Ginella. They share one son, Bandon.
Season 18 of Real Housewives of Orange County tonight at 9/8c. on Bravo.
