'RHONY' Divorce War! Inside Jules Wainstein's Explosive Custody Court Hearing

Jules Wainstein looked "very upset," as she faced off against her husband in a Manhattan court on Thursday, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.

The Real Housewives of New York City star is battling against Michael Wainstein for their two children, Jagger, 8, and Rio, 5. He filed for divorce from Jules in May, and as RadarOnline.com exclusively reported, was planning to ask Judge Michael Katz for full custody of the kids.

Prior to the hearing, Jules looked "very upset, standing in the corner with her lawyers away from everyone," an eyewitness told RadarOnline.com.

The reality star was composed during the proceedings but was not communicating with her estranged husband. "She wasn't crying. They both looked upset," said the courtroom source. "They avoided eye contact ever since he entered the room."

Their divorce hit a low point over the summer when Jules called the cops on Michael and accused him of domestic violence against her. He was not arrested by the police at the time, but moved out of the couples' multi-million dollar apartment.

At the beginning of the hearing on Thursday, Jules' attorney requested that the trial be closed to the public, because of the minor children and Michael's attorney agreed with the request. Both parties also asked for a gag order to prevent discussion of the case with the media and third parties.

The children were not present in the courtroom.

The judge called for a short recess at 3pm. Stay with RadarOnline.com for updates to the story.