Halle Berry Submits Court-Mandated Program Completion in Ongoing Custody Dispute

Halle Berry has taken a significant procedural step in her ongoing custody dispute with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the actress signed her certificate of completion for the Our Children First program, a mandatory orientation required by the Los Angeles Superior Court for parents involved in custody litigation.

The filing serves as a demonstration of compliance ahead of a pivotal court hearing scheduled for October 16, 2026. The hearing will address the current custody terms and a temporary restraining order recently granted to Martinez. This procedural move comes amid an escalation in the legal battle, which has seen the former couple’s 50/50 custody arrangement suspended.

Completion of the 'Our Children First' orientation is a mandatory step for parents in Los Angeles custody cases.

Escalating Legal Conflict

The current phase of the dispute intensified on October 1, 2026, when Martinez was granted primary custody and a temporary restraining order. The court’s decision followed allegations from Martinez that Berry had physically abused him. Berry has firmly denied these claims, according to court documents filed on October 5, 2026.

In her 191-page declaration, Berry characterized the event at the center of the allegations—an incident that occurred on September 26—as “playful roughhousing.” She has reportedly provided video evidence to the court to support her account and is seeking to have the original 50/50 custody agreement reinstated.

The Mandatory Mediation Process

The “Our Children First” program Berry completed is a standard prerequisite for Los Angeles Superior Court mediation. The program is designed to help parents focus on the needs of their children and navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of shared parenting during high-conflict disputes. Completion of the program is required before a judge will allow a case to move forward to a mediation appointment or a final custody hearing.

As the October 16 hearing approaches, the court will evaluate Berry’s compliance alongside the evidence provided by both parties. The outcome will determine whether the temporary restraining order remains in place and if their child will return to a joint custody schedule.

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