Rapper Offset was shot outside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida on April 6, 2026, suffering a non-life-threatening leg wound, while his divorce from Cardi B — filed in August 2024 — remains unresolved. Days later, court filings revealed a judge denied Offset's demand for a DNA test on Cardi B's baby with NFL star Stefon Diggs, raising critical questions about paternity disputes, spousal support, and custody timelines that apply directly to New Jersey family law cases.
Key Facts
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| What happened | Offset shot outside Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL; court filings reveal DNA test request denied |
| When | Shooting: April 6, 2026; Divorce filed: August 2024 |
| Who is affected | Offset, Cardi B, their three shared children, Cardi B's baby with Stefon Diggs |
| Key legal issues | Paternity testing, spousal support, joint custody, unresolved divorce |
| Court ruling | Judge denied DNA test for Cardi B's baby with Diggs; granted paternity test for one of the couple's three children |
| Pending claims | Offset seeks spousal support and joint custody of all three shared children |
Why This Matters Legally
This case demonstrates how a divorce can spiral when paternity disputes, custody battles, and spousal support claims converge. The judge's split ruling — denying the DNA test for one child while granting it for another — reflects a legal principle that applies across every state: courts will only order genetic testing when there is a legitimate legal basis, not as a strategic weapon.
Offset's reported demand for a DNA test on Cardi B's baby with Stefon Diggs was denied because Offset has no legal standing to challenge paternity of a child who is not his. Courts do not allow one spouse to demand genetic testing of a child conceived with a third party simply because a divorce is pending. The child's biological father — in this case, Diggs — is the relevant party for any paternity determination.
The judge did grant a paternity test for one of the couple's three shared children. That ruling follows standard family court procedure: when a party raises a genuine question about biological parentage of a child born during the marriage, courts have the authority to order testing.
The 20-month timeline from filing (August 2024) to present (April 2026) without resolution also highlights how contested divorces with multiple issues can drag on far beyond what either party expects.
How New Jersey Law Handles These Issues
New Jersey residents watching this case should understand how Garden State law addresses the same issues at play here.
Paternity Testing in New Jersey
Under the New Jersey Parentage Act, N.J.S.A. 9:17-38 through N.J.S.A. 9:17-59, any party to a paternity dispute can request genetic testing. New Jersey courts will order DNA testing under N.J.S.A. 9:17-48 when there is a genuine question about biological parentage. The standard mirrors what happened in the Offset case: you must have legal standing to request the test.
New Jersey also follows the marital presumption of paternity. A child born during a marriage is presumed to be the biological child of both spouses. This presumption can be rebutted through genetic testing, but only by a party with standing — typically the husband, the mother, or the alleged biological father. A spouse cannot demand DNA testing of a child who is clearly not theirs biologically and was conceived with a known third party.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Offset's claim for spousal support from Cardi B — whose net worth is estimated at over $80 million according to Billboard reporting — parallels how New Jersey handles alimony. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23, New Jersey courts consider 14 statutory factors when determining alimony, including:
- The actual need and ability of the parties to pay
- The duration of the marriage
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The earning capacities and employability of both parties
- The equitable distribution of property ordered by the court
New Jersey's 2014 alimony reform under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 created a presumption against permanent alimony for marriages lasting fewer than 20 years. Cardi B and Offset married in September 2017 — roughly 7 years before the August 2024 filing. In New Jersey, a marriage of that length would typically result in limited-duration alimony, not permanent support, regardless of the income disparity between the parties.
Custody and Parenting Time
Offset is seeking joint custody of the couple's three children. In New Jersey, custody determinations are governed by N.J.S.A. 2A:34-25, which requires courts to consider the best interests of the child. New Jersey courts evaluate 14 factors including each parent's willingness to accept custody, the stability of the home environment, the quality of the child's education, and the fitness of each parent.
New Jersey favors arrangements that allow both parents meaningful involvement. Joint legal custody — where both parents share decision-making authority — is common. Physical custody arrangements depend on the specific circumstances of each family.
The Danger of Prolonged Divorce Timelines
The Offset and Cardi B divorce has been pending for approximately 20 months with no resolution. New Jersey aims to resolve contested divorces within 12 months of filing, but complex cases involving significant assets, multiple children, spousal support disputes, and paternity questions can extend well beyond that benchmark. In New Jersey, the average contested divorce takes 12 to 18 months according to the New Jersey Courts annual report data.
Practical Takeaways for New Jersey Residents
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Paternity challenges require legal standing. You cannot demand a DNA test for a child who is not yours simply because you are going through a divorce with that child's parent. Under N.J.S.A. 9:17-48, New Jersey courts require a legitimate basis for ordering genetic testing.
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Spousal support is not guaranteed by income disparity alone. Even when one spouse earns significantly more, New Jersey courts apply 14 statutory factors under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23. A 7-year marriage creates a presumption of limited-duration alimony, not permanent support.
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Resolve your divorce as quickly as possible. The 20-month timeline in the Offset case demonstrates how unresolved divorces create compounding legal issues. New incidents — including the shooting — can become factors in custody evaluations.
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Custody disputes should focus on the children's best interests. New Jersey courts under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-25 look at parental fitness, stability, and cooperation. Public conflicts between parents can negatively impact custody outcomes.
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New relationships during a pending divorce create legal complications. Cardi B's baby with Stefon Diggs — born while the divorce is still pending — triggered the paternity dispute. In New Jersey, children born during an existing marriage carry the marital presumption of paternity, which can require court intervention to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a spouse demand a DNA test for a child that is not theirs in New Jersey?
No. Under N.J.S.A. 9:17-48, New Jersey courts require legal standing to order paternity testing. A spouse cannot demand genetic testing for a child conceived with a known third party. Only the mother, the presumed father, or the alleged biological father can petition for DNA testing of a child whose paternity is in question.
How long does a contested divorce take in New Jersey?
New Jersey's goal is resolving contested divorces within 12 months of filing. Complex cases involving custody disputes, significant assets, or spousal support claims average 12 to 18 months. Cases with paternity challenges, multiple children, and high-profile complications — like the Offset and Cardi B divorce at 20 months and counting — can extend well beyond that timeline.
Can the higher-earning spouse be ordered to pay alimony in New Jersey?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23, either spouse can be ordered to pay alimony regardless of gender. New Jersey courts evaluate 14 factors including need, ability to pay, and marriage duration. For a marriage lasting approximately 7 years, the court would typically award limited-duration alimony not exceeding the length of the marriage.
Does the marital presumption of paternity apply in New Jersey?
Yes. Under New Jersey law, a child born during a marriage is legally presumed to be the child of both spouses. This presumption applies even when the biological father is a known third party. The presumption can be rebutted through genetic testing, but only when a party with legal standing files a motion under the New Jersey Parentage Act, N.J.S.A. 9:17-38.
Can a shooting or violent incident affect custody decisions in New Jersey?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-25, New Jersey courts consider the safety of the child and the fitness of each parent when making custody determinations. A parent who is a victim of violence may not be penalized, but the circumstances surrounding violent incidents — including lifestyle risk factors — can become relevant evidence in contested custody proceedings.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.