Colin Farrell and his former partner Kim Bordenave have reportedly filed a conservatorship for their son James, months before he turns 18 in September.
Irish screen star Colin, 44, and Canadian-American model Kim, 49, are said to have filed a joint petition, with the plan that it will give them the legal power to continue making decisions on his behalf, as he lives with Angelman syndrome.
Over the years, Phone Booth star Colin has been open about his eldest son’s challenges with Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder characterised by developmental delays, lack of speech, seizures and impaired balance.
Committed parents: Colin Farrell and Kim Bordenave have reportedly filed a conservatorship for their son James, months before he turns 18 in September. Pictured in 2003
According to The Blast, the parents state in their legal documents that James continues to be in need of daily assistance, including preparing food and getting dressed, as they oversee his health and wellbeing.
The site reports they are seeking court permission ‘to be in charge of finding proper housing for their son, power to access confidential records, withhold consent of marriage, enter into contracts, give medical consent, and the power to make educational decisions’.
While Colin has reportedly stated that his son would not be able to attend a court hearing as it would allegedly raise his anxiety levels, he is said to have assured that if James was able to vocalise it himself, he would want the conservatorship.
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Colin Farrell for comment.
Angelman syndrome: James lives with Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder characterised by developmental delays, lack of speech, seizures and impaired balance
Back in 2012, Colin opened up about the ups and downs of his son’s condition, after spending the first few years of James’ life coping in private.
He told InStyle: ‘We share in the smallest victories; the first words at age six or seven, being able to feed oneself at 19, and getting the seizures under control. When James took his first steps at age four, I nearly broke in half!’
Speaking of his decision to go public, he said: ‘It was at the Special Olympics in Shanghai in 2007 that I decided, after consulting with James’ mother, that I wanted to talk publicly about the pride and joy I had in our son.’
‘He has enriched my life, but I don’t want to minimise the trials that so many families go through; the fear, consternation, frustration, and pain… When you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s important to feel that you’re not alone.’
Challenges: Back in 2012, Colin opened up about the ups and downs of his son’s condition, after spending the first few years of James’ life coping in private. Pictured in 2007
Taking his commitment further, the star has also worked with the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome (FAST) to help raise awareness, as well as empower the families of those affected by the disorder.
Colin also shares 11-year-old son Henry with Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, his co-star in the 2009 drama Ondine. The pair split in 2010.
Back in 2019, Colin revealed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that his children couldn’t wait for him to return to work when he enjoyed a year’s break from acting.
The star opened up about missing his two sons James and Henry when he works away for six months of the year, but said the boys ‘got sick of looking at him’ when he enjoyed an extended break from films.
Not alone: He said of his decision to go public with James’ condition, ‘When you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s important to feel that you’re not alone’
He said: ‘Last year I think I worked for about a month. Gainfully unemployed for about 11. It was lovely, I was just home with the boys.
‘It’s hard because I travel six or seven months of the year. It’s tough on them. It’s tough on me. I miss them so much. I just get home and get in their faces to the point they’re actually sick of looking at me. Truly.’
When asked by Ellen if James would be driving soon, the proud father said: ‘I don’t know if he will. I’m not one to limit the potential of what he’ll experience in his life.
‘James has Angelman syndrome, so I don’t know.
He added: ‘The world will be a much more dangerous place if James gets behind the steering wheel! I don’t know. There’s a world of possibilities.’
Family: Colin also shares 11-year-old son Henry with Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, his co-star in the 2009 drama Ondine. The pair split in 2010