Inside the Endless Legal Battle of Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Lockwood

Just when everyone thought Lisa Marie Presley‘s spouse, Michael Lockwood, would be the man she’d spent the rest of her life, things ended up a little messy instead. It is already the fourth marriage and divorce for the singer-songwriter.

Ever since their separation, the former couple has been embroiled in a never-ending custody battle. They are set to go to trial over visitation rights, custody, and child support amounts on July 20, 2020. But before that day comes, let’s take a glimpse of Presley and Lockwood’s complicated relationship. 

Michael Lockwood Is a Musician Too

Michael Lockwood is an American guitarist and music producer known for producing and performing with Aimee Mann, Ben Taylor, Bijou Phillips, Fiona Apple, and of course, Lisa Marie Presley, among others. He executive-produced Presley’s second album in 2005, Now What, which featured collaborations with Pink, ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and songwriter Linda Perry.

Lockwood’s career in music started in 1985 when he joined the already established but yet unsigned Hollywood group Lions & Ghosts. They later on signed with EMI America Records and recorded their first album in London. They disbanded in 1989 after releasing a second record and when several members had changed. Lockwood then formed a local power pop band, Wink with Brian Keats, Michael Marquesen, and Tony Babylon.

In 2012, Lockwood became the main guitarist for Lisa Marie’s ‘Storm & Grace’ tour.

Lisa Marie and Michael Walked Down the Aisle in 2006

Lisa Marie Presley married Michael Lockwood on January 22, 2006, in a traditional Japanese ceremony in Kyoto, Japan. It was the fourth marriage for Lisa Marie, who has previously exchanged vows with Michael Jackson, Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage and songwriter Danny Keough, the father of her two children.

Danny served as the best man at the Kyoto ceremony, while the bride’s mother, actress Priscilla Presley, walked the bride down the aisle.

They Have Two Children Together

Lisa Marie Presley’s children with Michael Lockwood were born on October 7, 2008. They are fraternal twins Harper Vivienne and Finley Aaron.

They Call It Quits Ten Years After

After ten years of marriage, Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Lockwood, citing irreconcilable differences. And there’s definitely no going back for the two. “They’re not trying to work it out and get back together,” Ronald Litz, Lisa Marie’s lawyer, told PEOPLE. “She’s done.”

As for why Lisa Marie called it quits, Litz said it was two-fold, having to do with the couple’s finances and their girls. “He apparently was in charge of her assets throughout the marriage and didn’t do what he should have done on a fiduciary basis,” Litz explained. The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, though they drew up one in 2007. Still, the lawyer claimed, “He took advantage of her.”

But Things Even Get Messier

Lisa Marie has also requested full custody of their twin daughters. As her legal representative said, Michael had problems when it comes to being a good father. One of the most impacting things of their divorce case was when the former Lisa Marie Presley’s husband reportedly had plenty of inappropriate photos and videos of children on his computer.

In the wake of the dispute, the couple’s twin daughters were placed under the supervision of the California Department of Children and Family Services. They have been allowed to live with their grandmother, Priscilla Presley, at that time. Lockwood has not been charged with a crime, and his attorney denied the claims made by Presley.

In December 2019, he was ordered to pay Lisa Marie’s attorney fees, a sum that reaches a whopping $140,000. But Michael recently hit back demanding in documents that Lisa pays his legal fees, which he said a total of $180,000 because he claimed she earns $1million a year while he barely makes ends meet.

An ugly fight is ahead for the estranged couple. Lisa Marie and Michael’s bitter and long-running legal battle is set to be heard three days a week from July 27 to August 31, 2020. Apart from money, the trial will determine custody arrangements for the couple, child support, and so much more. 

At the moment, they share joint legal custody of the twins, but Michael only has supervised visits with the twins three times a week while Lisa Marie has physical custody.

Michael Lockwood Is Now Engaged

Michael Lock is now engaged to hairstylist Stephanie Hobgood. According to reports, he popped the question in 2018 over a romantic dinner in Los Angeles, and his bride-to-be is already said to be planning their big day. 

“He never expected to find love at a time like this, but Stephanie has stood by him every step of the way, and they are crazy about each other,” a source told Radar. According to the outlet, the father of two even “wrote a letter to [Stephanie’s] father to ask for her hand in marriage.”

When it was time for Michael to propose, he “presented her with his grandmother’s diamond ring from the 1950s,” the outlet added. “[Stephanie] sat there in silence for a while as he got down on one knee, she then realized he was serious and said yes.”