Artem Chigvintsev has officially responded to estranged wife Nikki Garcia’s divorce filing, providing insight into the reasons behind their separation. Citing irreconcilable differences as the cause, the 42-year-old Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) pro detailed his legal stance in documents filed on Friday, September 13. The documents were exclusively obtained by Us Weekly, shedding light on the couple’s personal and legal struggles. In his filing, Chigvintsev listed the date of separation as August 29, a day that has significant importance in their story. It was also the day he was arrested for domestic violence in Napa Valley, California, an event that has become a major talking point.
The Divorce Filing and Custody Battle
Chigvintsev’s response to the divorce indicates a desire to share custody of their 4-year-old son, Matteo. The professional dancer is asking for joint legal and physical custody, which means both parents would share decision-making authority over their child’s education, health, and overall well-being. Physical custody would also be split between the two, ensuring Matteo spends time with both parents equally.
However, Garcia, who recently filed for divorce, has different plans. In her legal documents, she is requesting sole legal and physical custody of Matteo. This would grant her full control over decisions related to their son and allow him to live with her permanently. The battle for custody could become contentious, given that both parents appear to have starkly different ideas about what is best for their son. Given that custody battles can often take months or even years to resolve, it remains unclear how this will unfold in court.
Spousal Support and Attorney Fees
In addition to custody, Chigvintsev has requested spousal support from Garcia. Spousal support, or alimony, is designed to help a lower-earning spouse maintain their standard of living following a divorce. As a professional dancer, Chigvintsev may not have the same income level as Garcia, a former WWE star and reality TV personality with a thriving career. While details of their financial arrangements remain private, this request indicates that Chigvintsev believes he is entitled to ongoing support to maintain his current lifestyle.
Moreover, Chigvintsev is asking that Garcia cover his legal fees and court costs. Divorce proceedings can be costly, especially when there is disagreement over key issues such as custody and financial support. Chigvintsev’s request suggests he expects Garcia to bear the burden of these costs, which may add another layer of tension to the case.
Claiming Putative Spouse Status
Interestingly, Chigvintsev is also claiming “putative spouse” status from August 26, 2022, to January 19, 2023. A putative spouse is someone who believes they are in a legal marriage, even if the marriage is later found to be invalid. In this case, the couple had a wedding ceremony in France in August 2022, which was televised and widely publicized. However, they didn’t officially marry in the United States until January 2023, according to the documents.
This detail could have legal implications, especially in terms of spousal support and property division. If Chigvintsev is recognized as a putative spouse, he may be entitled to some of the same rights as if they had been legally married during that time. The timeline and nature of their marriage may play a significant role in how the court handles the financial aspects of the divorce.
The Arrest and Domestic Violence Allegations
Adding to the complexity of the situation is Chigvintsev’s recent arrest for domestic violence. On August 29, the same day they separated, Chigvintsev was arrested in Napa Valley, California, on a felony charge of domestic battery. Online jail records confirm the arrest, which has since become a focal point in their separation.
Following the arrest, a representative for Garcia issued a brief statement to Us Weekly, noting, “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.” While this statement provided little in terms of details, it highlighted the sensitivity of the situation and the emotional strain the couple is under.
Further details about the arrest have since emerged. In a 911 dispatch recording obtained by TMZ, Chigvintsev can be heard requesting medical attention and accusing Garcia of throwing shoes at him during an altercation. The situation escalated to the point that Chigvintsev initially requested help but later called back to say he no longer needed medical assistance. The audio recording has fueled public speculation about what happened that day, and both fans and legal observers are waiting to see how this will play out in court.
A Rocky History: Garcia and Chigvintsev’s Relationship Timeline
Garcia and Chigvintsev’s relationship has always been under the spotlight. The couple first met in 2017 when they were partnered on Dancing With the Stars season 25. At the time, Garcia was still in a high-profile relationship with WWE superstar John Cena, to whom she had been engaged. However, after splitting from Cena in 2018, Garcia began dating Chigvintsev the following year.
Their relationship progressed quickly, with Garcia announcing their engagement in January 2020 after less than a year of dating. The couple welcomed their first child, son Matteo, in July 2020, further cementing their bond. Their wedding, which took place in August 2022 in France, was a major event, broadcasted as part of their reality show on E!.
While their romance seemed picture-perfect from the outside, there were always hints of turmoil. Fans of the couple often speculated about their relationship, particularly in the months following their wedding. In fact, in early 2023, rumors began swirling that Garcia and Chigvintsev hadn’t legally married. Addressing the speculation, Garcia told Us Weekly in January 2023, “We’re legally married in France and in the United States. I think because we have our [marriage records] confidential … people went and searched and they didn’t find it.”
Her comments confirmed that the couple had taken steps to protect their privacy, but it also raised questions about whether all was well behind the scenes.
What’s Next for the Couple?
As Garcia and Chigvintsev’s divorce proceedings move forward, there are several unresolved issues that will need to be addressed in court. The custody of their son Matteo is likely to be one of the most contentious matters, with both parents seeking different outcomes. Financial support, including spousal support and attorney fees, will also be key points of negotiation. Additionally, the impact of Chigvintsev’s arrest and the domestic violence allegations may influence the court’s decisions.
With their separation now in the public eye, both Garcia and Chigvintsev are asking for privacy as they navigate this difficult time. As fans and followers of the couple, it is important to respect their wishes and allow them the space to resolve their legal and personal matters.
The separation between Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia is filled with legal and emotional complexities. From custody battles to financial disputes, the divorce proceedings have already captured widespread attention. With the added layer of Chigvintsev’s arrest and domestic violence allegations, this high-profile breakup is shaping up to be a major legal case. For now, both parties are focused on their son Matteo and moving forward with their lives, but the journey ahead remains uncertain.
