The Bold And The Beautiful's Ashley Jones Gets An Update On Her Dramatic Legal Battles

In September 2019, People confirmed that actor Ashley Jones filed for divorce from Joel Henricks, citing a cycle of horrific domestic abuse. Jones, who featured on "The Bold and the Beautiful," "The Young and the Restless," and "General Hospital," was also granted a restraining order against him. Court documents detailed how she fled the family home with their young son Hayden in tow the previous month out of fear for their safety. Regardless, Henricks allegedly continued to "stalk and harass" the soap star and reportedly even put a tracking device on her car. 

Although the couple got hitched in 2015, Jones alleged the physical abuse started before that. "He calls me a whore and accused me of infidelity regularly, and been incredibly jealous of long-ago boyfriends with whom I have no contact," her filings revealed. In one particularly disturbing incident, an intoxicated Henricks reportedly "twisted" her hand in an attempt to stop Jones recording him on her cellphone. In 2017, he allegedly "caused a spiral fracture" in her hand that required surgery. 

Under the order, Henricks must stay at least 100 yards away from his ex. Per People, Jones' estranged husband responded by citing "irreconcilable differences" and by requesting to share physical and legal custody of Hayden, along with spousal support. Henricks also wanted Jones to pay his legal fees. The publication also noted that Jones was arrested in 2019 on domestic violence charges. Both denied the charges of abuse in statements shared with the magazine.

Now, years after the legal process began, the end is finally in sight.

Almost three years after initially filing, Ashley Jones is finally putting her devastating divorce behind her. Us Weekly confirmed the actor finalized her separation from Joel Hendricks; she extended her restraining order against him, too. Per court documents, Jones' order lasts until February 20, 2023. Likewise, the "Bold and the Beautiful" star also has physical custody of the couple's son Hayden three days a week and every other weekend, with Henricks taking him for four hours each Tuesday and Wednesday and on the opposing weekends.

Henricks denies abusing the actor and noted in a statement that he's happy to have the legal side sorted and that the couple was awarded joint custody. "I will continue to be what I've always been: a loving father to an amazing son," he shared. Henricks also argued he should've had the "right to a jury" in response to the restraining order.

TMZ noted that, in addition to paying tuition, Jones also gets to choose his son's school. Elsewhere, the couple has divided up their assets relatively cleanly. No child or spousal support is included, while Hayden must spend Mother's Day and Jones' birthday with her each year. Otherwise, the former couple will split holidays and school breaks.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.