Nikki Garcia has decided to come to an end to her marriage to Artem Chigvintsev, which has lasted for two years. The divorce petition was submitted by the former professional wrestler, who is 40 years old, on September 11, just two weeks after the former "Dancing With the Stars" alum, who is 42 years old, was arrested on allegations of domestic abuse.
"There's no going back," a source told Life & Style Magazine. "Nikki doesn't even recognize Artem as the man she married."
In 2021, the couple sought couples therapy since they had been experiencing difficulties for a considerable amount of time before the police were summoned to their residence in Napa Valley.
"Nikki and Artem's relationship was volatile," the source revealed, adding that Artem's rage was a source of concern for Brie Garcia, Nikki's twin sister. "Like a lot of people, she found his, at times, controlling behavior troubling."
Despite this, the former WWE superstar was determined to make it work in some way.
"Nikki hoped that counseling would help get them to a healthier place," the source explained. "She didn't want to break the family up, but then Artem crossed the line, and now she feels she has no other choice."
It has been stated that the Russian dancer has been staying with a friend since he was released on bail of $25,000. Meanwhile, Nikki and their son Matteo, who is four years old, continue to reside at the family home.
"She just wants to end their marriage as quickly and painlessly as possible," the tipster claimed.
It was in the year 2022 that Chigvinstev and Garcia tied the knot.
Through his lawyer, Ilona Antonyan said, “At this time, Mr. Chigvintsev will not comment on any pending proceeding,” but added that putting their kid Matteo, first is Chigvintsev and Garcia's top priority.
Chigvintsev and Garcia are "focused on co-parenting and working together for the best interests of their son," as Antonyan continued talking about their relationship.
He explained that Chigvintsev and Garcia "intend to resolve all pending issues on mutually acceptable terms".
In their separate petitions, Garcia submitted a petition for sole legal and physical custody, while Chigvintsev submitted a petition for shared custody.
With regard to spousal support, Garcia made a request that both she and her husband, who is no longer living with her, have their right to receive spousal support terminated. Chigvintsev, on the other hand, sought that Garcia be responsible for spousal support as well as his attorney bills.
