Nikki Bella Divorce: Legal Settlements, Custody Updates, And Life After The Split
The high-profile divorce between WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) and professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev continues to draw significant public interest. Following a highly publicized separation initiated in late 2024, the former couple has spent the subsequent months finalizing their custody agreements and asset division. As of August 2, 2026, both parties have transitioned into a structured co-parenting routine while aggressively rebuilding their individual professional brands.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Parties | Nikki Garcia (Nikki Bella) & Artem Chigvintsev |
| Filing Date | September 11, 2024 |
| Reason for Split | Irreconcilable differences (following August 2024 domestic incident) |
| Children | Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev (Born July 2020) |
| Current Status (2026) | Finalized settlement terms and active co-parenting |
Context & Background of the Split
The legal dissolution of their marriage began abruptly in September 2024, following an incident that shocked the entertainment world. In late August 2024, Chigvintsev was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence at the couple’s home in Napa Valley, California. Although the local district attorney’s office ultimately decided not to file formal criminal charges, Garcia filed for divorce just weeks later, citing irreconcilable differences.
The couple, who famously met as partners on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars in 2017, married in Paris in August 2022. Their relationship, heavily documented on the reality series Nikki Bella Says I Do and Total Bellas, appeared strong to the public before the sudden legal escalation. Following the filing, Garcia immediately reverted to her maiden name professionally, establishing her independent identity as Nikki Garcia alongside her twin sister, Brie.
Legal Impact and Co-Parenting Status
The fallout from the Nikki Bella divorce required extensive mediation to settle complex disputes regarding their shared assets and the custody of their young son, Matteo.
- Child Custody Agreement: Court documents indicate the parents eventually reached a joint legal custody agreement, prioritizing stability for their son. The schedule includes structured holiday rotations and strict guidelines regarding third-party supervision during transitions.
- Financial and Spousal Support: Legal representatives finalized the division of their Napa Valley properties and intellectual assets. While Chigvintsev initially requested spousal support, the final 2025 mediation concluded with a confidential settlement protecting Garcia's primary business earnings.
- The Garcia Twins Rebrand: The divorce accelerated Nikki’s departure from the "Bella" intellectual property owned by WWE. Together with her sister Brie, she successfully launched the "Garcia Twins" brand, encompassing new podcasts, hosting gigs, and lifestyle products.
Nikki Bella, Artem Chigvintsev Settle Divorce After 2 Years of Marriage ...
What's Next for Nikki and Artem
Moving through the second half of 2026, Nikki Garcia is focused on expanding her footprint as a television host and executive producer. Her lifestyle brands and public speaking engagements have seen a resurgence as she shares her journey of resilience and personal reinvention. Industry insiders expect her to announce a major new broadcast partnership before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Artem Chigvintsev has kept a relatively low profile, focusing on local choreography projects and private dance instruction. While his return to mainstream network television remains uncertain, his legal representation emphasizes his commitment to peaceful co-parenting and moving past the events of 2024. The former couple's ability to maintain a quiet legal front recently suggests that the most turbulent chapters of this split are firmly behind them.
