Sia’s estranged husband, Dan Bernad, has requested over $250,000 per month in spousal support amid their divorce, citing financial dependence and a need to maintain their upper-class lifestyle. This legal move intensifies the ongoing separation, highlighting the high stakes in celebrity divorces.
The petition was filed in Los Angeles on October 9, 2025, seeking $250,856 monthly from the Australian singer-songwriter, who initially filed for divorce in March citing irreconcilable differences. Bernad, 47, argues that he has no income after leaving his career as a radiation oncologist to co-found a ketamine treatment clinic with Sia, and his medical license expired due to the shift. He emphasizes that Sia, as the breadwinner, should support him financially during this transition.
In court documents, Bernad detailed their lavish lifestyle, which included over $400,000 in monthly expenses for private jets, luxury vacations, fine dining, and full-time staff. He stated, “Orders are necessary at this time because I am financially dependent on Sia,” and claimed she has the ability to pay to preserve their financial status quo. This justification underscores the couple’s history of opulent living, which Bernad seeks to continue despite the separation.
Beyond the monthly support, Bernad is asking for $300,000 to cover legal fees and $200,000 for forensic accounting costs, asserting that these sums will balance the scales in the divorce proceedings. The additional requests aim to address the disparity in resources, as Bernad alleges Sia ceased funding their joint business, Modern Medicine, in March 2025, leaving him without a salary despite prior agreements.
The couple married in a intimate ceremony in Portofino, Italy, in 2022 and share an 18-month-old son, Somersault. Sia’s initial divorce filing included a request that the court deny spousal support, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle. Bernad’s recent claims add layers to their split, including his move from a hotel paid by Sia to a leased home, for which he sought reimbursement that was refused.
Bernad’s career background complicates the situation; he must complete years of training and pass exams to renew his oncology certification, making immediate employment unlikely. His dependence on Sia’s wealth stems from their shared ventures, and he argues that the support is essential until he can regain financial independence. The case draws attention to the challenges faced when one spouse sacrifices career opportunities for the relationship.
As the court reviews the requests, the outcome could influence spousal support norms in high-profile divorces, particularly involving significant wealth disparities. Sia’s representatives have not commented publicly, leaving the resolution uncertain. The proceedings may also affect custody arrangements for their son, though details remain undisclosed.
Ultimately, this case underscores the emotional and financial complexities of divorce, especially among celebrities. It raises questions about fairness and dependency in modern marriages, with potential implications for future legal standards. The next steps will depend on court rulings and possible negotiations between the parties.