After nearly two years of separation and a highly publicized divorce, Vanderpump Rules alums Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor have finalized a custody agreement for their four-year-old son, Cruz. The agreement, detailed in court documents, outlines a schedule for shared physical and legal custody and notably includes stipulations regarding sobriety while caring for their child. This resolution brings a degree of closure to a tumultuous period for the former couple, whose relationship unfolded—and ultimately fractured—on reality television.
The couple, who wed in 2019, navigated the challenges of parenthood and marital strife on Bravo’s The Valley, with Cartwright ultimately filing for divorce in 2024. The finalized custody arrangement avoids financial support obligations between the pair, instead assigning responsibility for expenses incurred while Cruz is in each parent’s care. The agreement prioritizes a stable and healthy environment for their son, with specific provisions addressing potential future relationships and maintaining a respectful co-parenting dynamic.
Custody Schedule and Parental Responsibilities
According to the court documents, Taylor will have custody of Cruz every Wednesday night and every other weekend. Cartwright will maintain custody during all other times. The agreement also establishes an alternating holiday schedule, with Cartwright consistently having Christmas with Cruz, a tradition she previously emphasized was non-negotiable due to the importance of family connections in Kentucky. Page Six reported on the details of the holiday schedule.
While both parents share joint legal custody, Cartwright has been granted tie-breaking authority on decisions related to Cruz’s medical care. This arrangement reflects a common practice in custody agreements where one parent is designated to make final decisions in specific areas. The agreement also addresses the introduction of new romantic partners, stipulating a six-month waiting period before either parent can introduce Cruz to a significant other, and requiring seven days’ written notice to the other parent prior to any meeting.
Sobriety and Co-Parenting Conduct
A key component of the custody agreement centers around the well-being of Cruz and the parents’ responsibility to provide a safe and stable environment. Both Cartwright and Taylor have agreed to refrain from being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any other illegal substance while Cruz is in their care. The Daily Mail highlighted this provision as a central element of the agreement. This stipulation comes after Taylor publicly shared his journey to sobriety, attributing it, in part, to stepping back from The Valley. Cartwright’s own struggles with alcohol were also documented on the show.
The agreement further emphasizes respectful co-parenting, prohibiting either parent from disparaging the other in front of Cruz and mandating that all communication occur directly between them or through a mutually agreed-upon third party. Exchanges of Cruz are to capture place curbside at Cartwright’s residence, with Taylor responsible for picking up their son from preschool or occupational therapy during his scheduled custody time. These provisions aim to minimize conflict and create a peaceful transition for Cruz between households.
Looking Ahead
The finalization of this custody agreement marks a significant step forward for Cartwright and Taylor as they navigate life as co-parents. The stipulations regarding sobriety and respectful communication underscore a commitment to prioritizing Cruz’s well-being during this transition. As they move forward, the focus will be on implementing the agreed-upon schedule and fostering a stable and loving environment for their son. The long-term success of this arrangement will depend on their continued ability to cooperate and prioritize Cruz’s needs above all else.
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