Old Kid on the Block is in divorce court

BY JOAN FLEISCHMAN / Posted on Wed, Sep. 28, 2005

In Miami-Dade divorce court: Daniel W. Wood, one-time member of the teen pop group New Kids on the Block, and Patricia Alfaro. He filed. Married for nearly eight years, they have two daughters -- Chance, 7, whom they adopted from Russia, and Vega, 6.

Wood says Alfaro has a ''bad temper'' and that he was "subjected to two acts of violence.''

False allegations, she says -- ''to cover up his own misdeeds.'' His "extramarital affairs have caused the breakup.''

Wood, 36, and Alfaro, 34, are each fighting to become primary residential parent.

''The husband exhibits stability, a close relationship with the children and is actively involved in their day to day activities,'' says his petition, filed by attorney Andrew Leinoff. ``The wife has not devoted herself to the child rearing and has delegated the majority of the responsibilities to the husband . . . Her lifestyle is not very stable; she is unable to properly care for the children.''

Not so, says she. Wood ''does not have the stability or a greater ability to care for the children,'' says her counterpetition, filed

by attorney Carmen M. Morales. Alfaro insists she is the "more fit and proper parent.''

Circuit Judge Gerald Hubbart appointed attorney Christy Hertz guardian ad litem for the children. Hertz will represent their

interests in court and make recommendations on custody and visitation issues.

Wood now works as a private investor. Alfaro is a musician and songwriter.

Both have sons from prior relationships. Wood has custody of Daniel Wood Jr., 12. She has custody of Anthony, 13.

NKOTB was huge in the late '80s and early '90s.