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.

The Yeah! Hit-maker and stylist Tameka Foster have announced plans to split after almost two years of marriage, with the singer filing official papers at Georgia's Fulton County Superior Court last week.

The documents, obtained by E! Online, confirm rumors the couple has been living apart for over a year and reveal Usher is petitioning for joint custody of their kids Usher Raymond V, 18 months, and Naviyd, six months.

Usher has also asked Foster to provide copies of "notes, cards, letters, photographs, film, documents, tapes, voice recordings, gift, jewelry, clothes" or other evidence that reflects on Usher's conduct during their marriage.

The papers also ask Foster to turn over reports, photos or recordings that have resulted from either "surveillance or investigation" of her estranged partner, fuelling Internet rumors that Foster hired a private detective to investigate the singer during their union.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)