By Josh D. Simon

As reported by People.com, Tammy Lynn Michaels has filed divorce papers in which she claims being "blindsided" by partner Mellisa Ethridge's decision to dissolve their domestic partnership. Michaels is seeking full legal and physical custody of the couple's 3-year old twins, and also wants spousal support. 

Michaels and Ethridge severed their high-profile relationship in April, after seven years of being together. And while Ethridge publicly claimed that the decision to split was mutual, Michaels bitterly rebuffed that on her blog. She also criticized Ethridge for being obsessed with fame and fans, and not interested in raising their children (including Ethridge's other children with ex-girlfriend Julie Cypher).

The divorce process could take on added complexity because, technically, Michaels and Ethridge were never legally married. However, as Michaels' lawyer told People: "Both [Tammy Lynn] and Melissa gave [their domestic partnership] the dignity of a marriage – they had a marital ceremony back in 2001. If the court system says there was no such thing as a marriage and tells us we have to amend it to a domestic partnership, so be it. It's a symbolic act on Tammy's part, and frankly she thought it would be better for the children if they were recognized as children of a married couple."

Tuesday, May 15
at 8 pm to 8:30 EST
Out With the Tragedy: Turning Divorce into a meaningful experience
with Allison Pescosolido and Andra Brosh, founders of Divorce Detox
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