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After her former spouse filed court documents seeking additional financial support, Melissa Etheridge has responded with accusations that Tammy Lynn Michaels is an "angry and vindictive" woman who is refusing to agree to a joint custody deal involving their twins.

According to TMZ.com, Etheridge claims that Michaels once sent her an email saying, "They aren't leaving my care while you are on the road - a completely inappropriate place for 3-year-olds - not to mention you can't track them, have no child care, and they were bit by dogs in the house last time you had them."

Etheridge further alleges that Michaels once accidentally burned one of the twins with a cigarette. The musician wants the court to ban both of them from smoking around the children.

In her own filing, Michaels requested an increase from the $23,000-per-month partner and child support she currently receives from Etheridge.

A hearing regarding Etheridge's request to spend more time with the children is scheduled for May 22.