Olympic figure skater Oksana Baiul has agreed to grant her ex-husband, Carlo Farina, primary custody of their 11-year-old daughter, Sophia, as part of their divorce settlement. According to documents filed in court on October 6, 2023, the couple reached an agreement addressing custody, support, and the division of their assets after a contentious divorce process.
As part of the settlement, Farina will have sole custody of Sophia and is permitted to relocate from Louisiana to Las Vegas with her. The arrangement stipulates that Baiul may visit her daughter if Sophia consents, with Farina responsible for coordinating the visits. Baiul, aged 48, has committed to enrolling in anger management classes and will undergo regular testing for alcohol and drugs to ensure her sobriety.
The court order also requires Farina to list a home in Louisiana for sale, allowing Baiul to reside in another property they own for a transitional period. Baiul is set to receive $550,000 from the sale’s net proceeds, with the remainder split between them. Notably, neither party will pay child support, and they have waived spousal support. Baiul retains all rights to her earnings from SAG-AFTRA, including royalties from books published during their marriage, as well as an extensive collection of designer items.
Farina has agreed to forgive a debt of $194,000 owed by Baiul and they will equally share an investment account worth $108,000. Additionally, he will provide Baiul with a lump sum of $100,000 and another $150,000 over five years, along with a 2020 Mercedes vehicle after her expected relocation to Nevada.
The couple’s divorce proceedings began on June 26, 2023, when Farina filed for divorce, citing their marriage date as July 7, 2012. At the time of filing, he stated they were living apart and sought sole custody of their daughter, claiming Baiul exhibited “extreme physical, emotional, mental and verbal abuse.” He alleged that this behavior was documented on surveillance cameras in their home. Farina accused Baiul of alcohol abuse, describing her as “manipulative” and “controlling,” and expressed concerns for their daughter’s well-being.
In her response filed on August 1, 2023, Baiul denied all allegations and asserted that they had separated earlier than claimed, stating they split on June 12, 2023. She opposed Farina’s request for sole custody, advocating for joint custody instead. Baiul described her ex-husband’s behavior as psychologically abusive, asserting that the footage presented in court illustrated his mistreatment of her.
Baiul has highlighted what she describes as Farina’s controlling nature regarding their daughter, claiming he deliberately isolates her from her peers. She expressed her belief that Farina’s recent purchase of a condo in Las Vegas, valued at $1.2 million, was an attempt to gain further control over their family assets.
The resolution of this high-profile case not only impacts Baiul and Farina but also emphasizes the complexities of custody arrangements in contentious divorces. Baiul, who won a gold medal at the 1994 Olympics representing Ukraine, has since become a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, participating in various shows and tours.
As the implications of this settlement unfold, both parties will need to navigate their new circumstances while prioritizing the well-being of their daughter.
