7 Shocking Updates On Jax Taylor And Brittany Cartwright's Split: Divorce, Custody Battle, And The Valley Exit (December 2025)

The tumultuous relationship between Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright, the former power couple of Vanderpump Rules and stars of Bravo's The Valley, has reached a new and dramatic peak. As of December 2025, the pair remains legally married despite Brittany filing for divorce over a year ago, with recent updates from BravoCon 2025 and new revelations from their reality show painting a chaotic picture of their ongoing separation. Fans who have followed the couple from their whirlwind romance to their fairytale Kentucky wedding and subsequent move to the suburbs are now grappling with a messy, drawn-out split that continues to dominate reality television headlines.

The latest news is far from amicable, featuring allegations of substance abuse, a desire for restraining orders, and a major shake-up in their professional lives. While they navigate the complexities of co-parenting their son, Cruz Michael Cauchi, the legal and emotional drama has intensified, leaving little hope for reconciliation. This article breaks down the most current and essential details of their separation, providing a comprehensive look at the state of their relationship and careers.

Complete Biography & Profile: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright

To understand the current drama, one must first look at the individuals at the center of the storm. Both Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright built their careers on the foundation of reality television, transforming from supporting cast members on Vanderpump Rules into stars of their own spin-off, The Valley.

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• Jax Taylor (Jason Michael Cauchi)
• Full Name: Jason Michael Cauchi
• Date of Birth: July 11, 1979
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 46
• Birthplace: Shelby Township, Michigan
• Primary Career: Television Personality, Model, Business Owner
• Known For: Original cast member of Vanderpump Rules (Seasons 1-8), Star of The Valley (Season 1 & 2), and his former clothing brand, "Cougar by Jax Taylor."
• Estimated Net Worth: $4 Million
• Brittany Cartwright
• Full Name: Brittany Cartwright
• Date of Birth: January 25, 1989
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 36
• Birthplace: Clark County, Kentucky
• Primary Career: Television Personality, Model, Entrepreneur
• Known For: Fan-favorite on Vanderpump Rules (Seasons 4-8), Star of The Valley (Seasons 1-3), and her popular nickname, "The Kentucky Muffin."
• Estimated Net Worth: $1 Million
• Son: Cruz Michael Cauchi (Born April 12, 2021)

The Lingering Divorce: Why They Are Still Legally Married in December 2025

The biggest question surrounding the former couple is their marital status. Despite announcing their separation in February 2024 and Brittany officially filing for divorce in August 2024, the process is still not complete. As of December 2025, Jax and Brittany remain legally married, a situation Brittany has publicly expressed frustration over.

At BravoCon 2025, Brittany gave a major update to fans, stating that the divorce was supposed to be finalized months ago but has been severely delayed due to administrative issues. She told reporters she is "praying" for the finalization to happen quickly, indicating a desire to move on from her estranged husband. The drawn-out legal battle has been a central theme in their lives, underscoring the difficulties of separating after a high-profile marriage, especially with a young child involved.

The separation has been anything but quiet. The couple’s shared home in the San Fernando Valley, the setting for their new show, has become a battleground. Brittany has made it clear that while she wants the divorce finalized, she is committed to maintaining a stable environment for their son, Cruz. Her commitment to co-parenting appears to be the only stable element in their chaotic post-split world.

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The Shocking Season 2 & 3 Drama on 'The Valley'

The second season of The Valley, which premiered after their separation announcement, has offered raw and often disturbing insight into the final breakdown of their marriage. The reality series has become the primary vehicle for the public to witness the escalating tensions between the two.

Brittany Seeks Restraining Order and Full Custody

The trailer for The Valley Season 2 delivered a bombshell: Brittany is seen stating that she wants a restraining order against Jax and is seeking full custody of their son, Cruz. This revelation suggests a level of conflict far beyond a typical separation, hinting at serious allegations that played out during the filming of the show. The desire for a restraining order in a custody dispute is a dramatic escalation that has shocked even long-time viewers of the couple’s drama.

Jax's Alleged Relapse and Rehab Confrontation

Another explosive plot point from the show involves Brittany confronting Jax about an alleged relapse. Jax had previously entered a 30-day rehab program, but a scene from The Valley Season 2 shows Brittany accusing him of drinking just days after leaving the facility. She also publicly called him out for alleged "gaslighting" behavior, further detailing the toxic environment that led to her filing for divorce. The public airing of these personal struggles has been a defining feature of their run on The Valley.

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Jax Taylor’s Exit From 'The Valley' Season 3

Perhaps the most definitive sign of the end of their professional partnership is the news that Jax Taylor will not be returning for Season 3 of The Valley. Brittany Cartwright confirmed the news at BravoCon 2025, stating that she felt a "relief" that her estranged husband would not be part of the show’s next chapter. This move effectively separates their professional paths, allowing Brittany to continue the narrative of her life as a newly single mother and entrepreneur on the show, free from the constant conflict with Jax. His departure signals a major shift in the Bravo universe and solidifies Brittany's role as a solo star.

Navigating Co-Parenting and Future Ventures

Despite the intense legal and televised drama, the one area where Jax and Brittany must find common ground is in co-parenting their son, Cruz Michael Cauchi. Both have consistently stated that their child’s well-being is their top priority. Brittany regularly provides updates on co-parenting, confirming that they are managing to share time with Cruz despite the administrative delays in their divorce.

The separation has also impacted their individual business ventures. Jax’s attempts to rebrand his bar business, which has been associated with the nickname "Cougar by Jax Taylor," have been met with public scrutiny and struggles. Meanwhile, Brittany, often affectionately referred to as "The Kentucky Muffin," has focused on her personal brand as a reality star and mother, leveraging her renewed focus following Jax's exit from The Valley. Her ability to secure a spot on Season 3 without Jax suggests her career momentum is strong, even amidst personal turmoil. The public continues to watch closely to see how this high-stakes separation will finally conclude and what the future holds for the two former Vanderpump Rules favorites.