Nearly a year after filing for divorce, Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor remain legally married due to administrative delays that have pushed their finalization date back several months. The former couple’s legal proceedings hit an unexpected snag when neither party submitted the required documentation on time.
Cartwright revealed the delay during her July 22 appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, explaining the paperwork complications that prevented them from meeting their July 21 deadline. The reality star appeared frustrated by the setback, which has extended their already contentious divorce process.
“We both didn’t send in our stuff at the right time. It’s a lot of stuff that happens,” Cartwright told host Andy Cohen. When pressed about their current marital status, she confirmed they remain wed despite the lengthy separation.
The 36-year-old Kentucky native filed for divorce in August 2024, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting primary custody of their 4-year-old son, Cruz. According to Us Weekly, the official separation date was listed as January 24, marking when Cartwright initially moved out of their shared home.
The divorce proceedings began seven months after Cartwright announced their separation in February 2024, following years of marital difficulties that played out publicly on their Bravo reality shows. Their relationship challenges became particularly evident during the second season of “The Valley,” where cameras captured the deterioration of their marriage.
New October Timeline Set for Legal Resolution
Cartwright confirmed that the court established October 15 as their new finalization date, expressing confidence that the process will conclude successfully this time. “October 15 is the new date and it’s going to happen,” she stated during her “WWHL” appearance.
The delay comes amid ongoing tensions between the former couple, with Cartwright describing their current relationship status as problematic. “Horrible,” she responded when Cohen asked about her dynamic with Taylor. “No trust whatsoever.”
Their strained relationship has been complicated by Taylor’s recent decision to step away from “The Valley” ahead of its third season. In a July 16 statement, Taylor announced his departure to focus on personal recovery and co-parenting responsibilities.
“After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I’ll be stepping away from the next season of The Valley,” Taylor said in his statement. “Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and co-parenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself—especially for our son, Cruz.”
Cartwright learned about Taylor’s television departure just one night before the public announcement, telling Cohen she felt relieved by the decision.
Personal Changes Mark New Chapter
While awaiting their legal divorce, Cartwright has taken significant steps to establish her independence and create a new environment for herself and Cruz. According to Bravotv.com, she has completely redecorated their former marital home, removing all photographs of Taylor and replacing them with images of herself, Cruz, and friends.
The physical changes extend beyond photographs to symbolic renovations throughout the house. Cartwright transformed Taylor’s former man cave into a custom storage closet for holiday decorations and redesigned the home gym with feminine touches, including pink accents and motivational signage.
Even the home’s welcome mat received an update, changing from “The Cauchis” (Taylor’s legal surname) to “The Cartwrights.”
The couple’s separation timeline reveals a gradual decline that began with communication issues and escalated through various personal challenges. Taylor sought inpatient treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues in 2024, while Cartwright focused on establishing stability for their son.
Their divorce delay is one of several administrative complications that have marked their separation process. Earlier filing errors by Taylor’s legal team had questioned whether they were legally married, prompting Cartwright to publicly comment on social media, confirming their valid marriage status.
Despite their difficulties, both parents have expressed their commitment to co-parenting Cruz effectively. The October divorce finalization will officially end their five-year marriage while establishing formal custody arrangements for their son’s future.
