Chris Rock's Ex-Wife Malaak Compton-Rock Says Child at Center of Dispute Is in the U.S. Legally: 'The Welfare and Livelihood of This Child Has Always Been of Utmost Importance'

Chris Rock’s ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, is denying reports that claim she is being investigated for housing a child illegally in the United States.

In a new statement to PEOPLE released by her lawyer, David Aronson of Aronson, Mayefsky & Sloan, Compton-Rock, 46, maintains that the young girl, Ntombi, 7, is in the U.S. legally, and with the consent of her birth parents in South Africa.

“The tabloid reports are false and outrageous. Malaak has never been contacted about an investigation of any sort. The welfare and livelihood of this child has always been of utmost importance to the entire Rock family. She is in the United States lawfully with the written consent of her biological parents, with whom she continues to have contact,” the statement reads.

“While Malaak has made strides in the adoption, she understands that intercountry adoption is a long and rigorous process, with checks and balances in both countries essential for the protection of children,” the statement adds. “Malaak again appeals for the privacy of her family.”

A source with knowledge of the situation adds that not only is the child in the country legally, but that both Rock and his ex-wife have met the birth parents on numerous occasions.

“Chris and Malaak have visited with Ntombi’s family multiple times in South Africa both before and after Ntombi came to the U.S.,” the source tells PEOPLE.

But with their pending divorce, Compton-Rock is now continuing the adoption process alone.

“Chris and Malaak pursued legal guardianship for adoption of Ntombi for years. Now she is pursuing it on her own and she is confident it will be completed.”

Rock, 50, and Compton-Rock are currently hashing out details of their divorce – including whether the comedian should support the child who Compton-Rock says was raised as their own for years.

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Rock states that his estranged wife “has the ability to work and contribute to her own support, as well as the support and other financial needs of the children.”

However, in Compton-Rock’s counterclaim she insists that the family was “fully supported financially” by Rock and requests that he continue to support her and the kids “commensurate with the marital standard of living.”

A New Jersey judge has set a tentative trail date for next year.