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The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kelli Ferrell is fighting a legal battle against her ex-husband, Mark Ferrell. Now, she’s enlisted the help of her co-star, Phaedra Parks, as he attempts to block their kids from being featured on the hit Bravo series.
Kelli and Chauvalo tied the knot in 2011 and went on to have three children, in addition to her daughter from a previous relationship. However, the couple filed for divorce in 2022, and it was later finalized in 2024. Following this, they have been at war with one another, with him recently holding a press conference in which he launched several allegations against the RHOA star.
According to US Weekly, Kelli and her attorney, Phaedra, filed an emergency petition with the court on October 2. They did this as a result of Chauvalo allegedly attempting to block their kids from being on camera for RHOA. She stated in the filing that she maintains primary physical custody of the children, which allows her to make decisions regarding their education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and other matters.
Regarding the kids being filmed, she said in the documents, “[Chuvalo] has objected, creating confusion and prompting the network to demand judicial clarification before continuing to film the children.” She also mentioned his previous threats of “litigation against the network.”
She also said that their ability to film was “immediately impacted.” The RHOA star said the production team planned to film her daughter’s homecoming dance, but they were unsure whether they could because of Chuvalo’s threats.
The court docs continue, “As a mother, my children are a significant portion of my storyline. As such, I consented to their participation in The Real Housewives of Atlanta season 17.” According to her, Bravo and NBCUniversal are seeking permission from the court to film the kids.
Kelli then said, “I believe participating is in my children’s best interest.” She also claims that the “memory would be lost” if it’s ruled that the Bravo cameras can’t capture her daughter’s dance.
Her husband’s lawyer, Latoya Francis-Williams, issued a response to the filing. She said, “After reviewing Ms. Potter-Ferrell’s [emergency filing], it is clear the filing is both procedurally improper and legally unfounded under Georgia law. This motion is … an attempt to reopen and modify a final custody decree that has been in place since September 2024.”
The attorney added, “Georgia law strictly prohibits using emergency motions to rewrite final custody terms without a proper petition and proof of a material change in circumstances. What’s most troubling is the timing and intent.” She also said that Chuvalo never provided consent for the kids to appear on the show.
She continued, “And as their father, he has every right to protect their privacy and emotional well-being. Equally concerning is the decision to return this case to the same judge who previously stripped Mr. Ferrell of his home, business, vehicles, and primary source of income without due process. Given that an intent to sue [court officials] has already been filed, this raises significant questions about fairness, bias, and judicial propriety.”
She then said, “A hearing is now scheduled for November 7, 2025, and Mr. Ferrell looks forward to ensuring the truth is finally presented on the record. Our legal team will also be pursuing additional filings against those responsible for the misconduct that has caused lasting harm to Mr. Ferrell and his family.”
Now, Kelli has seemingly changed her tune. She and Phaedra filed an amended petition on October 13. However, it listed the same issues as her October 2 emergency petition. The latest is that she filed documents to dismiss her ex parte request.
The RHOA star said in the filing, “Out of respect for the Court’s time and professionalism, I have chosen to withdraw my Ex Parte Motion. This decision reflects my commitment to allowing our family to move forward while preserving what matters most — quality time with our daughters during their tender years.”
That’s not all; she also entered court documents to appoint a process server to serve her ex with legal paperwork.