Why Nikki Garcia & Artem Chigvintsev Won't Be Going to Court Amid Divorce Battle

After a tumultuous three months, Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev have found a way to come together and settle their divorce. The fracture in their relationship began on Aug. 29 with the Dancing With the Stars pro’s domestic violence arrest and it only escalated from there. Even though Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley declined to press charges against him, it was clear that there were still heated emotions between Chigvintsev and the former WWE star. 

“Nikki and Artem have settled their divorce and will not be going to court,” a representative for Garcia told Page Six on Wednesday, Nov.20. “Both parties decided to drop the domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move on with their lives and effectively co-parent their son.” TMZ noted that the couple went to arbitration in early November “because they both want to move on, in part because it was getting very expensive to pay lawyers … plus the whole process was becoming emotionally draining.”

Even though a settlement has occurred, the media outlet noted that “their relationship is very much a work in progress.” They aren’t friends right now, but they are “cooperating with one another” for the sake of their son, Matteo, 4. “Nikki’s number one priority has always been her son and privacy on the matter,” the Page Six statement continued. “She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received during this difficult time.”

Chigvintsev appeared in the audience of the 500th episode of Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday, Nov. 12. He looked happy and relaxed while sandwiched between former pros Peta Murgatroyd and her husband, Maks Chmerkovskiy. His upbeat mood could be related to the divorce settlement since it was an emotionally draining time for him and Garcia. The end of the marriage also offers him an opportunity to rebuild his dance and teaching career which took a hit, according to legal documents obtained by the Daily Mail. 

“It is true that I have not been able to find other work as a dancer. I normally start jobs in November, and it goes for 20 weekends,” the documents read. “After the mug shot and the arrest based on her false allegations, I was taken off the website faculty list resulting in a loss of over $100k in income.” The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, and the settlement terms have not been released. The restraining orders that were in effect until Dec. 6 have also been lifted. 

The next step for Chigvintsev and Garcia is to figure out a way to co-parent amicably as they move ahead with a new chapter in their lives.

Before you go, click here to see celebrity exes who never buried the hatchet.