In a surprising turn, Jax Taylor, the 45-year-old reality star known from Vanderpump Rules, has given Brittany Cartwright, his estranged wife, full custody of their son Cruz. Recent court documents have revealed that Taylor has not only signed over full legal and physical custody of their 3-year-old son but also claimed that he and Cartwright were never legally married. This revelation has stunned many fans and followers of the couple’s rocky relationship, as their 2019 Kentucky wedding seemed like a grand affair. So, how did this once-celebrated reality TV couple end up here?
Jax Taylor Hands Over Full Custody
Jax Taylor made headlines recently when he represented himself in court, signing over full custody of Cruz to Brittany Cartwright. Self-representation in legal matters can be risky, and this decision has many wondering if Taylor fully understood the implications of his actions. In the legal documents, he requested full custody go to Cartwright, a move that raised questions about his future involvement in Cruz’s life. Taylor’s choice to relinquish custody may have been influenced by the complexities of their personal situation, including his ongoing mental health struggles.
The Status of Their Marriage
Perhaps the most shocking detail from the court filings is Taylor’s claim that he and Cartwright were never legally married. The pair’s 2019 wedding was widely publicized, with footage from the ceremony featured on Vanderpump Rules. Fans were treated to glimpses of the extravagant Kentucky wedding, complete with lavish décor and heartfelt vows. However, Taylor has now indicated in the court documents that the marriage was never legal. This bombshell revelation adds another layer of complexity to their split and raises questions about the true nature of their relationship.
The little one was born in 2021.Instagram/@littlebabycauchi
Cruz’s Role in the Separation
Amid the legal battles and personal turmoil, the one constant has been the couple’s 3-year-old son, Cruz. Both Taylor and Cartwright have made it clear that their son remains their top priority. The couple’s social media posts and public statements repeatedly emphasize their commitment to putting Cruz’s well-being first, no matter the state of their relationship. Cartwright has said that they will co-parent peacefully, ensuring that Cruz doesn’t become a casualty of their separation. In her words, “Even if Jax and I are fighting, it’s not going to ever come between Cruz.”
Brittany Cartwright’s Divorce Filing
In February 2024, Brittany Cartwright officially filed for divorce after months of speculation about the couple’s relationship status. The filing came after a period of separation that began earlier in the year. Cartwright’s decision to file for divorce was not entirely unexpected, given the couple’s tumultuous history, but the revelations in the court documents have added an unexpected twist to the narrative. With Taylor now questioning the legality of their marriage, the divorce proceedings could become more complicated than initially anticipated.
Division of Assets
The couple’s Los Angeles home, which was purchased together, is their only listed asset in the divorce filing. Taylor has requested that the property division be handled at a later time, further complicating their separation. This delay could indicate that there are unresolved financial matters that need to be sorted out, particularly in light of Taylor’s recent statements about their marriage’s legality. The division of assets could become contentious if the court determines that the marriage was, in fact, legal.
Mental Health and Taylor’s Struggles
Taylor has been open about his mental health struggles, which likely played a role in his decision to sign over full custody to Cartwright. Recently, the reality star revealed that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In an emotional episode of the couple’s podcast, When Reality Hits, Taylor admitted to experiencing symptoms of narcissism, including gaslighting and breadcrumbing behaviours, without even realizing it. His willingness to seek help and confront his mental health issues is a significant step, but it has undoubtedly impacted the ongoing custody battle.
Taylor’s Narcissism Admission
One of the most eye-opening moments in the divorce story came when Taylor admitted to being a narcissist and engaging in toxic behaviours in his relationships. On the podcast, he shared that he had no idea there were terms like gaslighting and breadcrumbing for the behaviours he exhibited. Taylor’s admission of his faults and his acknowledgement of the damage these behaviours have caused is a sign that he may be on the path to personal growth. However, his desire to break the cycle for his son Cruz will take time and effort.
Cartwright’s Perspective on Co-Parenting
While Taylor has been struggling with his mental health, Cartwright has remained steadfast in her commitment to their son. In a recent interview, she shared that co-parenting with Taylor has been a challenge, but they are determined to make it work for Cruz’s sake. “It’s never going to be a thing,” Cartwright said when asked if their disagreements would affect Cruz. This statement reflects her dedication to maintaining a stable environment for their son, even as their relationship continues to unravel.
The Legal Implications
The claim that Taylor and Cartwright were never legally married could have significant legal implications. If proven true, it could affect not only the division of assets but also the terms of their divorce and custody agreement. If their marriage was never legal, the court may have to reconsider the distribution of property and any spousal support agreements. This development could potentially delay the divorce proceedings and add another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation.
As Taylor and Cartwright navigate the legal and emotional complexities of their separation, the future remains uncertain. The couple has expressed a commitment to co-parenting Cruz, but with Taylor’s mental health struggles and the questions surrounding their marriage, the road ahead will not be easy. Both parties will need to focus on their individual healing while keeping their son’s well-being at the forefront.
The Impact on Their Public Image
Taylor and Cartwright’s relationship has always been a subject of public interest, thanks to their roles on Vanderpump Rules and their various media appearances. Their split has been heavily scrutinized, and their personal issues have played out in the public eye. While some fans remain supportive, others have expressed disappointment in how their relationship has unfolded. The couple’s willingness to share their struggles, particularly Taylor’s mental health journey, has garnered both empathy and criticism from their audience.
How Taylor’s Mental Health Could Influence the Case
Taylor’s ongoing mental health treatment could have a profound impact on future legal proceedings, particularly in terms of custody. If he can demonstrate that he is actively working on managing his bipolar disorder and PTSD, it may influence the court’s decisions regarding his involvement in Cruz’s life. On the other hand, if his mental health struggles continue to affect his ability to parent effectively, Cartwright may remain the primary custodial parent. The court will likely consider all these factors when making its final determinations.
Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright’s Reality Show Legacy
As two of the most prominent stars of Vanderpump Rules, Taylor and Cartwright have left a lasting mark on the reality TV landscape. Their ups and downs were chronicled for years on the show, and their relationship became a central storyline. With the introduction of their new podcast, When Reality Hits, the couple has continued to share their journey with the public, including the struggles that led to their split. Whether or not they continue their reality show careers post-divorce remains to be seen, but their legacy is already cemented in the world of reality TV.
Conclusion
The story of Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright’s relationship has taken many twists and turns, but the recent developments regarding their son’s custody and the status of their marriage have added a new layer of complexity. As the couple works through the legal and emotional challenges of their separation, their commitment to co-parenting Cruz remains a beacon of hope. While their future as individuals may be uncertain, one thing is clear: both Taylor and Cartwright are determined to prioritize their son’s well-being, no matter what the outcome of their legal battles may be.
