Is DWTS Pro Artem Chigvintsev Seeking Spousal Support Amid Wife Nikki Garcia’s Divorce Filing? Here’s What Filing Says

As a seasoned observer of celebrity lives, I must say that the turbulent journey of Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev‘s marriage is a stark reminder of the complexities that come with love and legalities. Having followed their story since their days on Dancing with the Stars, it’s heartbreaking to see their union face such challenges.


Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev’s marriage is encountering a challenging court dispute. In response to Garcia’s recent petition for divorce, the professional dancer from Dancing with the Stars has voiced worries about spousal maintenance and other financial issues. The pair, who have been wed for close to two years, share a son and are currently concentrating on joint parenting during their separation.

Following Nikki Garcia’s petition for divorce, filed on September 11, Artem Chigvintsev has made a request to the court for alimony. Court documents obtained by PEOPLE show that in addition to this, Chigvintsev also requests that he himself should not be required to provide spousal support to Garcia.

In simpler terms, his lawyers explained that such demands for financial support during a divorce are common to secure financial entitlements, and if he doesn’t ask for it now, he might not be able to do so later on.

In regular language: “Normally, when responding to a divorce petition, Mr. Chigvintsev is safeguarding his entitlement to alimony and legal fees. If these boxes are not ticked in the response documents, it means giving up the chance to demand these benefits,” explained Ilona Antonyan, who represents Mr. Chigvintsev.

No ongoing requests have been made for spousal support or attorney fees (often called a Request for Order). Instead, both parties aim to settle all remaining disputes in an amicable manner through agreed-upon terms.

Apart from asking Garcia to cover his legal expenses, Chigvintsev has also petitioned the court to decide on their potential spouse status throughout their marriage.

Under specific conditions, this legal concept determines the legitimacy of their marriage. Court records indicate that their union spanned from August 26, 2022, to January 19, 2023.

In the current situation, both parties are managing their divorce as well as jointly raising their son, Matteo. Antonyan stated that Mr. Chigvintsev won’t discuss any ongoing legal matters at this point. Their main focus is on co-parenting effectively and collaborating for the welfare of their son.

On September 11, 2023, Garcia initiated divorce proceedings in Napa Valley, California, following almost two years of marriage. This action was taken approximately two weeks after Chigvintsev’s arrest on charges related to spousal abuse. Coincidentally, on the same day, PEOPLE magazine reported that Garcia had enlisted the services of a divorce attorney.

In Garcia’s first plea, she sought both legal and physical guardianship of their child, Matteo, while allowing Chigvintsev visitation privileges. Moreover, she asked for the termination of spousal support benefits for both parties.

In response to the divorce filing, a spokesperson for Nikki Garcia verified to PEOPLE that she is indeed seeking a divorce. At present, Nikki and her family prefer to keep their personal matters private.

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2024-09-17 11:08