The 47-year-old actor is said to have asked his former wife Richards to take care of his kids when their biological mother is in rehab, reported Contactmusic.
"Denise and Charlie have a very close relationship now. He knew he could count on her. Charlie knows he can't take care of them on his own. He never tried to get his boys back. He knows he's not the best hands on father but he does love his kids," a source said.