After Acknowledging Paternity, Al Pacino and His Girlfriend Reach an Agreement on Custody and Child Support

The romantic relationship between legendary actor Al Pacino and Noor Alfallah has attracted media attention for several reasons, including the 54-year gap in their ages. A few months after the couple announced in June 2023 that they had welcomed a baby son named Roman, Alfallah petitioned a New York court for an order setting forth custody and child support arrangements.

Pacino and Alfallah avoided a lengthy court battle and reached an agreement said to include the following terms relating to their parenting arrangements:

• Paternity — When a child is born to unmarried parents, the father does not automatically assume legal paternity the way that the husband would when his wife has a child. Pacino reportedly questioned whether he was the biological father of Alfallah’s child and apparently required a DNA test before acknowledging the child was his.
• Legal custody — In their settlement, Pacino and Alfallah agreed to joint legal custody. This is a common arrangement when parents live apart. Language from the order notes that this requires both parties to “consult with one another on all major decisions relating to Roman’s health, education and welfare.”
• Physical custody — Alfallah has primary physical custody of Roman, but Pacino is entitled to reasonable parenting time. Reporters have questioned whether Pacino and Alfallah are still a couple, but even if they are, it is beneficial for unmarried parents to formalize visitation terms in the event that they break up.
• Child support — Pacino is responsible for paying Alfallah $30,000 per month in child support. He must also provide a one-time $100,000 payment and annual transfers of $15,000 into a 529 account to fund Roman’s education. There is also a provision that could increate the actor’s child support obligation based on his income in a given year.

Custody and child support issues involving unmarried parents can be particularly challenging in cases such as the Pacino-Alfallah relationship where the parties had not previously established the man’s legal paternity. Regardless of whether you’re getting along or not, you and your co-parent should seek counsel from a family law attorney to discuss the steps you should take relating to parentage, custody, visitation and child support.

Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. provides comprehensive family law representation for clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Whether you’re considering a divorce or require assistance with legal parenting issues facing you and your unmarried partner, our knowledgeable New York attorneys offer personalized legal guidance. For a consultation, please call 1.631.479.3839 or contact us online.