Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Inside the Endless Legal Battle of Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Lockwood

Lisa Marie Presley's Husband Michael Lockwood
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Just when everyone thought Lisa Marie Presley‘s spouse, Michael Lockwood, would be the man she’d spent the rest of her life, things ended up a little messy instead. It is already the fourth marriage and divorce for the singer-songwriter.

Ever since their separation, the former couple has been embroiled in a never-ending custody battle. They are set to go to trial over visitation rights, custody, and child support amounts on July 20, 2020. But before that day comes, let’s take a glimpse of Presley and Lockwood’s complicated relationship. 

Michael Lockwood Is a Musician Too

Michael Lockwood is an American guitarist and music producer known for producing and performing with Aimee Mann, Ben Taylor, Bijou Phillips, Fiona Apple, and of course, Lisa Marie Presley, among others. He executive-produced Presley’s second album in 2005, Now What, which featured collaborations with Pink, ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and songwriter Linda Perry.

Lockwood’s career in music started in 1985 when he joined the already established but yet unsigned Hollywood group Lions & Ghosts. They later on signed with EMI America Records and recorded their first album in London. They disbanded in 1989 after releasing a second record and when several members had changed. Lockwood then formed a local power pop band, Wink with Brian Keats, Michael Marquesen, and Tony Babylon.

In 2012, Lockwood became the main guitarist for Lisa Marie’s ‘Storm & Grace’ tour.

Lisa Marie and Michael Walked Down the Aisle in 2006

Lisa Marie Presley married Michael Lockwood on January 22, 2006, in a traditional Japanese ceremony in Kyoto, Japan. It was the fourth marriage for Lisa Marie, who has previously exchanged vows with Michael Jackson, Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage and songwriter Danny Keough, the father of her two children.

Danny served as the best man at the Kyoto ceremony, while the bride’s mother, actress Priscilla Presley, walked the bride down the aisle.

They Have Two Children Together

Lisa Marie Presley’s children with Michael Lockwood were born on October 7, 2008. They are fraternal twins Harper Vivienne and Finley Aaron.

They Call It Quits Ten Years After

After ten years of marriage, Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Lockwood, citing irreconcilable differences. And there’s definitely no going back for the two. “They’re not trying to work it out and get back together,” Ronald Litz, Lisa Marie’s lawyer, told PEOPLE. “She’s done.”

As for why Lisa Marie called it quits, Litz said it was two-fold, having to do with the couple’s finances and their girls. “He apparently was in charge of her assets throughout the marriage and didn’t do what he should have done on a fiduciary basis,” Litz explained. The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, though they drew up one in 2007. Still, the lawyer claimed, “He took advantage of her.”

But Things Even Get Messier

Lisa Marie has also requested full custody of their twin daughters. As her legal representative said, Michael had problems when it comes to being a good father. One of the most impacting things of their divorce case was when the former Lisa Marie Presley’s husband reportedly had plenty of inappropriate photos and videos of children on his computer.

In the wake of the dispute, the couple’s twin daughters were placed under the supervision of the California Department of Children and Family Services. They have been allowed to live with their grandmother, Priscilla Presley, at that time. Lockwood has not been charged with a crime, and his attorney denied the claims made by Presley.

In December 2019, he was ordered to pay Lisa Marie’s attorney fees, a sum that reaches a whopping $140,000. But Michael recently hit back demanding in documents that Lisa pays his legal fees, which he said a total of $180,000 because he claimed she earns $1million a year while he barely makes ends meet.

An ugly fight is ahead for the estranged couple. Lisa Marie and Michael’s bitter and long-running legal battle is set to be heard three days a week from July 27 to August 31, 2020. Apart from money, the trial will determine custody arrangements for the couple, child support, and so much more. 

At the moment, they share joint legal custody of the twins, but Michael only has supervised visits with the twins three times a week while Lisa Marie has physical custody.

Michael Lockwood Is Now Engaged

Michael Lock is now engaged to hairstylist Stephanie Hobgood. According to reports, he popped the question in 2018 over a romantic dinner in Los Angeles, and his bride-to-be is already said to be planning their big day. 

“He never expected to find love at a time like this, but Stephanie has stood by him every step of the way, and they are crazy about each other,” a source told Radar. According to the outlet, the father of two even “wrote a letter to [Stephanie’s] father to ask for her hand in marriage.”

When it was time for Michael to propose, he “presented her with his grandmother’s diamond ring from the 1950s,” the outlet added. “[Stephanie] sat there in silence for a while as he got down on one knee, she then realized he was serious and said yes.”

Trending

Latest Stories

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Love Somebody,” has arrived, and it’s not just another love song—it’s an honest look at the complicated, often bumpy road to finding real connection. After years ...

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen’s career continues to reach impressive heights with his latest achievement. This historic milestone solidifies his place among country music’s most celebrated figures. His new single, “Love Somebody,” has ...

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Country music star Jelly Roll recently shared an emotional video on social media, revealing his purchase of a sprawling 500-acre plot of land. The video, filled with raw emotion and ...

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen isn’t just wowing crowds on his One Night at a Time tour; he’s also rocking the world of music education. Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, ...

Luke Combs and Eric Church's Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Luke Combs and Eric Church’s Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Country music superstars Luke Combs and Eric Church united for a powerful cause, headlining the “Concert for Carolina” to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene. The star-studded event, held at Bank ...

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

When you think of Brad Paisley, you probably picture the quick-witted country star with a guitar in hand and a string of chart-toppers behind him. But there’s much more to ...

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with "Suspicious Minds" Cover

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with “Suspicious Minds” Cover

Elvis Presley’s influence on music is undeniable, and his legacy inspires generations. His 1969 hit “Suspicious Minds” remains a signature track, capturing love, conflict, and heartbreak themes. Decades later, country ...

Alan Jackson Stops "Pop a Top" at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson Stops “Pop a Top” at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

It’s always remarkable when country legends support each other, especially on music’s biggest stages. Alan Jackson’s unforgettable tribute to George Jones at the 1999 CMA Awards was one such moment, ...