Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev Excel at Co-Parenting 8 Months After Divorce Drama. Nikki and Artem Put Son Matteo First in Co-Parenting Triumph
Eight months after their high-profile divorce, Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev have found harmony in co-parenting their 4-year-old son, Matteo, proving that their focus remains on family despite a tumultuous split.
The former couple, whose romance captivated fans from their Dancing With the Stars days, has navigated a challenging year with grace, prioritizing their son’s happiness above all else. Here’s an in-depth look at their co-parenting journey, the events leading to their divorce, and how they’ve managed to create a stable environment for Matteo.
A Solid Co-Parenting Foundation
Nikki Garcia, 41, and Artem Chigvintsev, 43, are “co-parenting really, really well,” according to an exclusive source. Their commitment to their son Matteo, born in July 2020, has been the cornerstone of their post-divorce relationship.
The source notes that Chigvintsev lives close to Garcia in Napa, California, facilitating seamless custody exchanges and shared parenting responsibilities. “It’s all about Matteo,” the source emphasizes, highlighting how both parents have put aside personal differences to ensure their son’s well-being.
This cooperative spirit is evident in moments like Matteo’s preschool graduation in May 2025, where Garcia and Chigvintsev reunited to celebrate their son. A lighthearted anecdote from Garcia on The Nikki & Brie Show captured their teamwork: when a massive balloon Garcia brought got stuck in a tree, Chigvintsev retrieved it using a ladder from the school, saving the day for a tearful Matteo.
“Artem and I are in a great place,” Garcia said on her podcast in May 2025. “We are co-parenting so amazingly, and it makes Matteo’s life so amazing.” This dedication to maintaining a positive environment for Matteo underscores their ability to move forward constructively.
A Rocky Road to Divorce
The couple’s journey to this point was far from smooth. Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella in her WWE days, and Chigvintsev, a veteran Dancing With the Stars pro, met in 2017 when paired on Season 25 of the dance competition. At the time, Garcia was engaged to wrestler John Cena, but after their 2018 split, she reconnected with Chigvintsev.
Their romance blossomed quickly, going Instagram-official in March 2019, followed by an engagement in November 2019, Matteo’s birth in July 2020, and a televised wedding in Paris in August 2022.
However, their marriage faced challenges, including Garcia’s struggles with postpartum depression, which she later admitted strained their relationship. On August 29, 2024, just days after celebrating their second wedding anniversary, Chigvintsev was arrested in Napa Valley on suspicion of felony domestic violence, following a 911 call reporting an altercation.
Court documents later revealed conflicting accounts: Garcia alleged Chigvintsev “tackled” her multiple times and pinned her to the ground in front of Matteo, while Chigvintsev claimed Garcia threw shoes at him, escalating the situation. Both filed for restraining orders, and Garcia sought sole custody of Matteo in her September 11, 2024, divorce filing, citing irreconcilable differences.
The Napa County District Attorney declined to press charges against Chigvintsev on September 24, 2024, due to insufficient evidence, a decision he described as “incredibly relieving” on Instagram. The couple settled their divorce through private mediation in November 2024, dropping their restraining orders and agreeing to joint custody of Matteo.
Garcia was ordered to pay Chigvintsev $3,500 monthly in child support, a $200,000 lump sum (split into two payments), and cover Matteo’s health insurance, speech therapy, and preschool costs through 2025. They also agreed to split holiday time with Matteo, alternating each year.
Moving Forward with Matteo’s Happiness in Mind
Despite the painful end to their marriage, Garcia and Chigvintsev have worked diligently to maintain a united front for Matteo. Garcia, who took a three-month social media hiatus after the divorce filing, returned to her podcast in December 2024, reflecting candidly on the split.
“I’ve been heartbroken,” she admitted, noting that their relationship “hadn’t been great for a long time.” She expressed regret for publicly portraying their marriage as stronger than it was, hoping to inspire Chigvintsev to believe in himself. “You dream of having this family, and it just goes the other way,” she said, acknowledging the unexpected unraveling of their love story.
Chigvintsev, meanwhile, has focused on rebuilding his life, purchasing a $915,000 three-bedroom home in Napa in May 2025, just miles from Garcia’s residence, ensuring proximity for co-parenting. He’s also expressed a commitment to being “the best father I can be,” sharing joyful moments with Matteo, like a May 2025 Instagram post of them at a balloon exhibit. Garcia has been cautious in discussing the divorce with Matteo, using age-appropriate terms like “Mommy and Daddy having their own homes” to ease his understanding.
A New Chapter for Both
Garcia has hinted at readiness to move forward, telling Kristin Cavallari’s Let’s Be Honest podcast in March 2025 that she’s “almost” open to dating again but prefers “love, not marriage.” She’s also proud of her financial independence, noting on her podcast that the $200,000 settlement was a “steal” given her hard-earned wealth. “The judge said, ‘You should be proud you built such an empire,’” she recalled, vowing to require a prenup in future relationships.
Chigvintsev, meanwhile, has denied rumors of seeking reconciliation, focusing instead on co-parenting and his career, though sources indicate he’s not slated to return to Dancing With the Stars for Season 34.
Why This Matters
The successful co-parenting dynamic between Garcia and Chigvintsev is a testament to their resilience and commitment to Matteo. Their ability to overcome a messy divorce, marked by serious allegations and public scrutiny, offers hope to others navigating similar challenges.
As Garcia said, “I don’t want hate toward Artem. We’re in a good place for Matteo.” Their story highlights the importance of prioritizing children’s well-being, even amidst personal turmoil, and sets a positive example for blended families everywhere.
