Dreka Gates is seeking $70,000 in monthly financial support from estranged husband Kevin Gates following their divorce filing in July, according to court documents that detail allegations of financial neglect and mismanagement. The entrepreneur claims the rapper systematically dismantled their family’s financial foundation beginning in late 2021 while continuing to make substantial luxury purchases.
The legal filing alleges Kevin stopped covering basic family obligations including property taxes and private school tuition for their children during this period. Court documents suggest this financial withdrawal occurred while he maintained an extravagant lifestyle, reportedly acquiring 18 luxury vehicles and purchasing a $4.7 million estate in Calabasas.
Dreka’s request breaks down into $27,193 monthly for child support and $46,274 for spousal support, reflecting what she characterizes as necessary compensation for lost family income and ongoing childcare responsibilities. The substantial amounts requested indicate the couple’s previously high standard of living and the financial obligations associated with maintaining their lifestyle.
Property tax issues create foreclosure crisis
The financial disputes have created serious consequences for the family’s assets, particularly their Mississippi farm property which now faces foreclosure proceedings. Court documents indicate the Internal Revenue Service placed a $7 million levy against the property for unpaid taxes, creating immediate threats to the family’s agricultural investments.
The tax issues represent a significant escalation of the financial problems Dreka alleges began when Kevin withdrew support for basic family expenses. The substantial amount owed suggests either systematic non payment over multiple years or significant penalties and interest accumulating on initially smaller tax obligations.
Property tax obligations typically take precedence over other debts in foreclosure proceedings, making the IRS action particularly serious for preserving family assets. The timing coincides with Dreka’s allegations about Kevin’s shift away from supporting family financial obligations while maintaining personal luxury spending.
Custody arrangements complicate support calculations
Dreka is requesting primary physical custody of their two children, at least on a temporary basis, while the divorce proceedings continue. Her filing indicates the children have spent approximately 95% of their time with her over the past two years, contradicting traditional assumptions about shared parenting arrangements.
The custody situation affects both child support calculations and spousal support justifications, as primary caregiving responsibilities typically influence court determinations about financial obligations. Extended custody periods also impact the receiving parent’s ability to pursue independent income opportunities.
Child support amounts often reflect not only basic living expenses but also maintaining consistency with the family’s established lifestyle including private education, extracurricular activities, and living arrangements. The requested monthly amounts suggest continuation of previously established spending patterns for the children’s welfare.
Marriage validity becomes legal defense
Kevin has reportedly challenged the divorce proceedings by claiming he and Dreka were never legally married, despite their October 2015 ceremony and nearly decade long relationship. This defense strategy could significantly impact spousal support obligations while potentially maintaining child support requirements.
Legal marriage status affects numerous aspects of divorce proceedings including property division, spousal support eligibility, and the applicable legal frameworks for resolving financial disputes. The distinction becomes particularly important for high asset couples with complex business and property holdings.
Dreka maintains their relationship constituted a legal marriage warranting full divorce proceedings with associated financial obligations. The resolution of this fundamental question will likely determine the scope and complexity of their legal separation process.
Business partnerships complicate asset division
The couple’s professional relationship extended beyond their personal marriage, with Dreka reportedly serving as Kevin’s manager during portions of his music career. This business partnership creates additional complexity for determining appropriate financial settlements and ongoing obligations.
Managerial roles in entertainment careers often involve substantial time investments, relationship building, and strategic planning that contribute significantly to an artist’s commercial success. Courts increasingly recognize these contributions when calculating spousal support in entertainment industry divorces.
The intersection of personal and professional relationships makes asset valuation particularly challenging, as career growth during marriage may reflect joint efforts rather than individual achievements. Dreka’s support requests likely reflect compensation for both domestic contributions and professional partnership investments that supported Kevin’s music career development.
Story credit: TMZ
