The Kentucky princess and the self-proclaimed "number one guy" are officially over. If you've been following the Vanderpump Rules orbit for the last decade, you probably felt this coming in your bones. But when Brittany Cartwright actually pulled the trigger and filed for divorce from Jax Taylor in August 2024, it still felt like a massive shift in the Bravo universe.
They were supposed to be the ones who "made it" after the chaos of West Hollywood. Instead, they became a cautionary tale about what happens when you try to build a life on a foundation of reality TV fame and unresolved baggage.
Honestly, the split wasn't just about one fight or one mistake. It was a slow-motion car crash that finally hit the wall.
The Breaking Point of the Jax and Brittany Divorce
People always ask: "What was the final straw?" For Brittany, it seems the "irreconcilable differences" cited in the court docs were just a polite way of saying she was exhausted.
She officially listed their separation date as January 24, 2024. That is just one day before her 35th birthday. Imagine that. You’re hitting a milestone age and you realize the man you’ve spent nearly ten years trying to "fix" is still the same guy who cheated on you in Season 6.
Things got dark behind the scenes. During the filming of The Valley Season 2, allegations surfaced about a "violent altercation" that pushed Jax toward treatment. Brittany has since claimed that Jax once threw her into a bush—an incident she reportedly has on Ring camera footage.
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Mental Health and the Long Road to Diagnosis
While the drama was peaking, Jax took a step back. In July 2024, he checked into an intensive in-patient mental health facility for 30 days. Most fans thought it was a PR move to save his spot on The Valley.
But the reality was more complex.
Upon leaving, Jax went public with two major diagnoses: Bipolar Disorder and PTSD. He admitted he had known "something was wrong" for years but never knew what it was. This doesn't excuse the behavior, of course, but it adds a layer of nuance to why their home life was so volatile.
Then came the bigger bombshells. Jax also admitted to a long-standing cocaine addiction, something Brittany said she was "glad" he finally acknowledged, even though she felt his treatment plan was the "bare minimum."
The Messy Legal Reality
Divorce is never just about feelings. It’s about paperwork. And if you know Jax, you know he isn't exactly a scholar of the legal system.
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When Jax filed his response to Brittany’s petition in September 2024, it was a total disaster. He accidentally checked a box saying they were never legally married. He also got the date of their relationship wrong. Brittany’s response on social media was iconic: "Paperwork is hard for some people."
Custody and the Cruz Factor
The one thing they actually seem to agree on—eventually—is their son, Cruz.
Initially, Brittany requested primary legal and physical custody. In a move that shocked many, Jax actually agreed to this in his court filings.
- Primary Custody: Brittany holds the decision-making power.
- Visitation: Jax has visitation rights, though Brittany has been cautious about him being alone with Cruz during his active recovery phases.
- The Autism Diagnosis: In 2025, Cruz was diagnosed with autism. This changed the stakes entirely. Both parents have expressed that their focus is now on getting Cruz the therapy and support he needs, even if they can't stand to be in the same room.
Financial Fallout and "The Valley"
Being a reality star is expensive. Staying in a $1.9 million home when you’re going through a divorce is even harder.
Brittany moved out of their shared Valley Village home early in 2024, citing a need for space for her own mental health. But the financial ties are sticky. There’s been talk of tax liens—specifically a $35,000 lien against Brittany—and a mortgage that reportedly jumped from $8,000 to $18,000 a month due to Jax’s past tax issues and refinancing.
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It’s messy. It’s expensive. And it's all being captured for Season 2 of The Valley.
Basically, the show has become a documentary of a marriage dissolving in real-time. We’re seeing the "Studio City" bar drama, the addiction struggles, and the moment Brittany finally realized that "Kentucky Fried Chicken" and a smile couldn't save a man who didn't want to be saved.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that this is all for "clout."
Sure, they’re on a reality show. Yes, they get paid to be messy. But if you look at the court filings and the genuine vitriol Brittany has shown in recent interviews, this isn't a "Scandoval" style stunt.
Brittany has spent a decade being the "supportive wife" who defended Jax against every rumor. For her to walk away—and stay away—speaks to a level of exhaustion that transcends a script. She’s not just leaving a husband; she’s leaving a brand she helped build.
Actionable Steps for Navigating This News
If you're a fan trying to keep up with the Jax and Brittany divorce, here is how to stay informed without getting lost in the gossip:
- Watch the Timeline on The Valley: Season 2 is the most accurate visual record of the final collapse. It fills in the gaps between the Instagram posts and the court filings.
- Verify Court Updates: Don't trust every TikTok "leak." Major outlets like People and TMZ have been the only ones with eyes on the actual Los Angeles County Superior Court documents.
- Separate the Diagnoses from the Drama: Understanding Jax’s Bipolar and PTSD diagnoses helps explain the patterns of behavior seen on Vanderpump Rules for years, but it also explains why the divorce is likely the healthiest move for both parties.
- Support the "Cruz" Narrative: The most important takeaway here is the co-parenting of a child with special needs. Regardless of your "Team Jax" or "Team Brittany" stance, their success as parents is what actually matters long-term.
The divorce is expected to be finalized in early 2026, assuming Jax doesn't "hold it up" any further. For now, they remain two people who are better off as strangers than as a "power couple."