Australian pop sensation Sia Furler, known for her powerful anthems and deep sense of privacy, is now at the center of a highly publicized divorce from Dan Bernad, her husband since December 2022. This split has taken a dramatic turn following Bernad’s request for significant monthly spousal support, revealing not only the complexities of their relationship but also the lavish lifestyle they once shared.
Bernad’s Request for Support
In recent court filings, Dan Bernad has requested an astonishing $250,856 monthly in spousal support, along with $300,000 to cover attorney fees and an additional $200,000 for a forensic accounting investigation. Bernad states that since Sia filed for divorce in March 2025, he finds himself financially stranded and unable to sustain the lifestyle they once enjoyed together.
He claims to have been unemployed since April, when funding for their joint venture, a ketamine treatment clinic called Modern Medicine, was abruptly terminated. In his appeals, Bernad asserts that he currently has “no income, no real property, no retirement and very little funds” available in his bank account, pointing to his lack of financial resources as a critical factor in his request.
Previously, Bernad had left his career in oncology to help manage the clinic. Now, he argues that he can’t re-enter the field because his medical license has expired and he has lost the financial backing that made their venture possible.
Sia’s Response and Custody Matters
Sia, 49, filed for divorce in Los Angeles County, citing irreconcilable differences. In her filings, she has requested sole physical and legal custody of their 11-month-old child, Somersault Wonder Bernad, while allowing visitation rights to Bernad. Notably, she has also attempted to preemptively terminate the court’s ability to award spousal support, indicating her intention to block any further financial obligations to her estranged spouse.
The divorce proceedings exposed a previously undisclosed chapter in Sia’s life: she covertly welcomed her third child in March 2024, a fact she chose to keep private until this legal matter arose.
A Glimpse into Their Lifestyle
In his requests, Bernad paints a picture of the luxurious lifestyle they shared. The couple resided in a sprawling 9,500-square-foot mansion in Toluca Lake, California—purchased for $5.15 million in 2015—and enjoyed private jet travel, fine dining, and a staff of between 10 and 12, which included chefs, personal stylists, and a butler. Bernad claims their monthly expenses ranged between $400,000 and $500,000.
He argues that such a lifestyle was sustained throughout their marriage and that he cannot maintain it independently after their separation. His filing includes a statement expressing his financial dependence on Sia and urging the court to maintain the financial status quo:
“Orders are necessary at this time because I am financially dependent on Sia, the breadwinner in our marriage… Sia has the ability to pay me spousal support to maintain our financial status quo.”
A Complicated Relationship
Sia and Bernad married in Portofino, Italy, in a private ceremony in 2022. Their relationship had remained largely out of the public eye. Before this marriage, Sia was wed to filmmaker Erik Anders Lang from 2014 to 2016, a breakup that she has described as deeply affecting her mental health. Additionally, in 2019, she adopted two teenage boys, highlighting her commitment to family at a time when she experienced personal loss and growth.
Her various life experiences, from relationships to parenting, have profoundly influenced her music and public persona. While she is known for concealing her identity with wigs and stagecraft, Sia has been forthright about her struggles with mental health and the challenges of fame.
The Financial Implications Ahead
With the stakes this high, Sia may soon face considerable financial demands from Bernad. If his requests are granted, she could owe him around $750,000 to cover legal and accounting fees and an ongoing commitment of $250,000 a month in spousal support.
This situation presents a striking contrast to her tough, independent image, as Sia navigates the complexities of a divorce that has thrust her private life into the limelight. As the proceedings unfold, the outcome remains uncertain, but it is clear that in this case, there are no cheap thrills involved.
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