Sia, ex-husband clash in LA custody filings with opposing claims

Sia and her estranged husband, Daniel Bernad, have sharpened their dispute over custody of their 19‑month‑old son after competing court filings late last week in Los Angeles made stark and opposing allegations about each parent’s fitness. Bernad filed on Oct. 27 seeking sole legal and physical custody, saying in his declaration that Sia is a "serious and immediate danger" to their child. Sia responded on Oct. 28, denying the claims and saying she has been sober for more than six months.

In his filing, Bernad, a physician who left his oncology practice during the marriage, accused Sia of renewed substance abuse and said she was secretly hospitalized in September and tested positive for barbiturates and benzodiazepines. He asked a judge to limit Sia’s contact to supervised visits and to order random and regular drug testing for her, as well as monthly child support of about $77,245. Bernad also alleged he has no current income after Sia stopped funding their joint business, and has sought spousal support in separate filings.

Sia’s response rejects the custody petition as unnecessary and misleading. She acknowledged a history of substance misuse more than 15 years ago but wrote...