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Madonna-Ritchie custody dispute reaches High Court in London

Attorneys representing British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, singer Madonna Ciccone and their son Rocco Ritchie, confer in a courtroom in New York, Wednesday, March 2, 2016.  State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Kaplan implored the couple to settle their custody matter a day after their lawyers said a deal reached late Tuesday had fallen apart. (AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)
Attorneys representing British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, singer Madonna Ciccone and their son Rocco Ritchie, confer in a courtroom in New York, Wednesday, March 2, 2016. State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Kaplan implored the couple to settle their custody matter a day after their lawyers said a deal reached late Tuesday had fallen apart. (AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool) Attorneys representing British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, singer Madonna Ciccone and their son Rocco Ritchie, confer in a courtroom in New York, Wednesday, March 2, 2016. State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Kaplan implored the couple to settle their custody matter a day after their lawyers said a deal reached late Tuesday had fallen apart. (AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)

LONDON (AP) – A dispute between Madonna and ex-husband Guy Ritchie over custody of their son Rocco has reached Britain’s High Court.

Ritchie attended a hearing Thursday before judge Alistair MacDonald. Neither Madonna nor 15-year-old Rocco was present.

Madonna wants Rocco, who lives with his filmmaker father in England, to return to her custody in the U.S.

The case has unfolded in New York, but Madonna also issued an application in England under an international legal convention. Lawyers say she now wants to withdraw it and end the British legal proceedings.

On Wednesday, a New York judge implored the couple to end their months-long legal battle.

Justice MacDonald echoed that sentiment, saying “an amicable negotiated resolution is definitely the way forward and in Rocco’s best interests.”

Another hearing is scheduled later his month.