LOS ANGELES: R&B star Usher has asked to be granted joint custody of his two children — as he and his estranged wife head to the divorce courts.

Usher and Tameka Foster have announced plans to split after almost two years of marriage, with the singer filing official papers at a court on June 8.

The documents, obtained by E! Online, confirmed that the couple has been living apart for over a year and revealed he is petitioning for joint custody of their children.

Usher has also asked Foster to provide copies of ‘cards, letters, photographs, tapes, voice recordings, gift,’or other evidence that reflects on his conduct during their marriage. The papers also ask her to turn over reports and evidence that have resulted from investigation of Usher fuelling Internet rumours that she hired a private detective to investigate the singer during their union.