Dwyane Wade’s Ex-Wife Siohvaughn Funches Files Court Docs To Dismiss Name & Gender Change Petition For Their Daughter Zaya Wade, Claims Ex NBA Star Violated Custody Agreement

Dwyane Wade, Siohvaughn Funches, Zaya Wade

Dwyane Wade’s Ex-Wife Siohvaughn Funches Files Court Docs To Dismiss Name & Gender Change Petition For Their Daughter Zaya Wade, Claims Ex NBA Star Violated Custody Agreement

Former NBA star Dwyane Wade is being accused of violating a court order.

According to Radar Online, the athlete’s ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches, claims his petition to change the name and gender of their daughter violates their custody agreement and wants the petition dismissed.

As we reported back in August, Dwyane Wade, 40, submitted court documents to have his transgender daughter Zaya Wade’s name and gender legally changed. The basketball star has been majorly supportive of the 15-year-old since announcing her transition journey back in 2020. However Zaya’s desires have not been met with resistance. Most notably, there has been much public opposition from her mother Siohvaughn Funches, 41.

In her most recent outcry against Zaya’s identity adjustment, Funches reportedly claims the petition goes against her custody agreement with Wade. Reportedly, the mother of two submitted the original agreement to the courts this past Friday (January 6th), highlighting a provision that allegedly read:

“[Wade shall discuss with and obtain input from Funches] on the major decisions affecting the care, welfare, activities, health, education, and religious upbringing of their two children.”

Zaya Wade, Siohvaughn Funches

It seems Funches is hoping the provision is enough to have the name and gender change petition thrown out. Back in November, the co-parents publicly feuded due to the August petition. Reportedly, Wade moved forward with submitting the identity change documents on behalf of Zaya without her mother’s consent. Court documents reportedly read:

“Pursuant to the terms of the Final Custody Judgment, (Wade) has full authority to make decisions on behalf of the petitioning minor, and he is not required to receive consent from Ms. Funches-Wade. As a courtesy, Ms. Funches-Wade has received notice of this petition.”

Dwyane Wade, Zaya Wade and Gabrielle Union celebrate pride

Subsequently, Funches made a damaging accusations towards Wade, claiming his only interest in Zaya’s transition is financial. Reportedly, Funches told the court her basketball playing ex:

“may be pressuring our child to move forward with the name and gender change in order to capitalize on the financial opportunities that he has received from companies.”

Additionally, Funches claims to have had a conversation with the former Miami Heat star where he allegedly stated:

“a lot of money had been already made and that additional money will be made in relation to our child’s name and gender issue.”

Addressing the matter, Funches reportedly added:

“Given [Wade’s] high-profile status as a professional athlete, our children’s lives have been highly publicized…[Wade] has appeared on national television shows and in media reports regarding our child’s name and gender change. I am concerned that our child is being commercialized at a young age and also of the uncontrollable consequences of media exposure i.e. cyberbullying, statements and/or pictures taken out of context of our child, and unwanted spotlight focused on our child.”

Wade rebutted, publicly admonishing the validity of the claims. The NBA champ reversely claimed Funches has shown no interest in understanding nor getting to know Zaya during her transition. Ultimately, Funches is asking the courts not to allow the change to happen until Zaya turns 18. Reportedly, a judge has not ruled on the matter just yet.

Who are you more inclined to agree with in the situation? Let us know in the comments section!

Authored by: Kay Johnson