Siovaughn Wade Testifies For Five Hours In Custody Case

The child custody dispute in Cook County Circuit Court between Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade and ex-wife Siovaughn Wade is in full swing, as the Chicago Tribune reported. And since the couple can't seem to agree on much of anything, it promises to get ugly.

Both Dwyane Wade and Siovaughn Wade, whose divorce was finally granted in June, are seeking sole custody of their two boys, ages 3 and 8.

James Pritkin, a divorce attorney in Chicago representing the 2006 NBA Finals MVP, attempted to paint a picture of Siovaughn Wade as irresponsible and erratic. He asked questions about her relationships, confrontations with past attorneys and court officials and her parenting decisions.

Her Illinois family lawyer, Michael Haber, objected to some of the questions on the grounds that it had nothing to do with the actual child custody case. But Judge Renee Goldfarb, who expressed concern that the prolonged dispute could harm the two boys, allowed the questions.

Before testimony was given, the judge initiated a last-minute appeal for the parties to settle their custody dispute. But that fell through after Siovaughn Wade said she could not agree to send her oldest son to a therapeutic boarding school. While it was recommended by the children's court-appointed representative, she said she didn't believe it was necessary.

The children's representative, Lester Barclay, recommended that Dwyane Wade be granted sole custody of the children and also recommended that the judge deny Siovaughn Wade's request to have their oldest son testify in judge's chambers.

While James Pritkin accused the NBA star's ex-wife of "bizarre" behavior, her attorney countered that Dwyane Wade is too busy as a professional athlete to properly care for the boys.

Dwayne Wade said he plans to testify in the trial.

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