San Diego, CA – National news reports gave details regarding a celebrity divorce that was recently finalized.
Reality TV Stars Finalize Divorce
The stars of the TLC reality series Welcome to Plathville have officially ended their marriage. Court documents confirm that the couple finalized their divorce on February 25, 2026, in Minnesota [1]. Although they publicly announced their separation in October 2023 after five years of marriage, the filing states they had been living apart since February 25, 2022.
In the divorce settlement, both parties agreed to waive any spousal maintenance or alimony from one another. The former husband retained certain investments and his collection of vintage cars, while the former wife received ownership of her company, Sunshine Media, and a 2016 Subaru Outback.
The couple had married in October 2018 following a brief earlier separation. They experienced another temporary split in 2021 before ultimately deciding to part ways. Public statements released at the time of the announcement described how the pair had grown in different directions, citing differing life goals and visions for the future despite their efforts to make the relationship work.
The divorce marks the end of a highly publicized relationship that was frequently featured on the long-running reality show, which follows a large family navigating life, faith, and personal growth. Both individuals expressed care and well-wishes for each other as they moved forward into separate chapters of their lives.
This finalization brings legal closure to a union that began when both parties were young adults still discovering their individual identities and aspirations.
What steps need to be completed before a divorce is considered finalized under California law?
Under California law, a divorce—formally known as a dissolution of marriage—is not considered finalized until several mandatory steps are completed and a judge signs the final judgment. The entire process takes at least six months from the date the other spouse is served with the divorce papers (or from the date they respond, whichever comes first). This waiting period, established by state law, cannot be waived and is designed to give couples time for reflection.
The process begins with meeting residency requirements: at least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in the filing county for three months before submitting paperwork. The petitioner then files the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100) along with a Summons (Form FL-110) in the Superior Court. These documents must be properly served on the other spouse by a neutral third party over age 18. Proof of service is filed with the court, which starts the six-month clock.
Next, both parties must complete mandatory financial disclosures. This includes exchanging preliminary declarations of disclosure early in the case and final declarations before judgment. These documents detail all assets, debts, income, and expenses. California courts will not finalize a divorce until these disclosures are exchanged or properly waived in writing, ensuring transparency in property division and support issues.
If the couple has children, they must address custody, visitation, and child support. For all cases, issues involving spousal support, division of community property and debts, and any other marital matters must be resolved—either by written agreement (such as a marital settlement agreement) or through court hearings and possibly a trial if the parties cannot agree.
Once all issues are settled and the six-month waiting period has passed, the parties prepare and submit the final judgment package. This typically includes the Judgment form (FL-180), any attachments detailing the orders on property, support, or custody, and a Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190). In uncontested cases, additional forms like a Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution (FL-170) may be required. The court reviews the paperwork for completeness and accuracy. If approved, the judge signs the judgment, which specifies the date the marriage ends. The divorce becomes legally final on that date.
Additional post-judgment steps may include preparing Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts or updating records with government agencies. Failure to complete any required step—such as financial disclosures or proper service—can delay or prevent finalization.
In rare cases involving very short marriages with minimal assets and no children, couples may qualify for a simplified summary dissolution process, but the six-month waiting period still applies. Consulting the California Courts self-help resources or a family law professional is recommended, as requirements can vary slightly by county and case complexity.
By methodically completing filing, service, disclosures, issue resolution, and judgment submission after the mandatory wait, parties ensure their divorce is properly finalized under California law.
Family attorneys are available in the San Diego area
Smith Family Law is available to help local clients with issues such as divorces, child custody,
alimony, domestic violence, and settlements. Their attorneys can provide more information
about any of these issues.
Firm contact info:
225 Broadway, Suite 2220, San Diego, CA 92101
619-431-3131
https://www.smithfamilylaw.com/
Sources:
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/welcome-plathville-ethan-plath-olivia-203222354.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall