Guy Ritchie hires lawyer for custody fight with Madonna

Los Angeles: The custody battle between pop star Madonna and former husband Guy Ritchie is heating up, with the British film director preparing for a courtroom showdown by hiring a lawyer to mount a legal case.

The ex-couple, who divorced in 2008, have hardened their positions regarding their 15 and a half-year-old son Rocco, according to TMZ.

Sources close to Ritchie, 47, said Rocco wants to live with his father in London, as it is more "stable and loving" that living with Madonna, 57, who is "too controlling".  

A New York judge has ordered Rocco back in the US for a hearing in February.