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Ariana and Dalton

Ariana Grande's $1.25 million divorce proved to be very different from boyfriend Ethan Slater's split – here's why

The Wicked star released her first album post-divorce, eternal sunshine

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
March 19, 2024
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Ariana Grande and ex-husband Dalton Gomez are officially divorced, as a Los Angeles Superior Court judgment dissolving their marriage has finally come into effect.

The move comes six months after the pop sensation, 30, filed for divorce from her real estate broker ex, 28, amid speculation surrounding their marriage.

The singer has since reportedly moved on with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, who is undergoing his own divorce from estranged wife Lilly Jay after separating last year.

The relationships have been placed under a microscope following the release of Ariana's new number one album eternal sunshine, with its candid and confessional lyrics about infidelity, falling out of love, and new romances.

Samantha Woodham, a family law barrister at 4PB who specializes in advising couples together in high profile divorces, spoke exclusively with HELLO! about Ariana and Dalton's divorce and what it could entail.

As per court papers, the two had separated over a year ago and, given they had no children and no notable legal disputes, the process moved quickly. The terms of the divorce state that Dalton will receive a $1,250,000 one-time payment from Ariana and no future alimony, half of the proceeds from the sale of their California home, and pay up to $25,000 of his attorney's fees.

Ariana Grande on The Voice Season 21, June 2021© Getty Images
Ariana's divorce from ex-husband Dalton Gomez has been finalized

Woodham shared: "From an English law perspective, it's unsurprising Ariana's divorce has gone through without a hitch. It was a short marriage with both spouses working and no children involved, and they had the benefit of a prenuptial agreement which it is likely they followed." 

MORE: Ariana Grande's new Wicked movie – all you need to know, including cast, early scandals, and when it comes out

She expanded upon the terms of their divorce, including Ariana's one-time payment, adding: "If for any reason Ariana failed to pay the settlement (and there is no indication that she would), Dalton could enforce the order against her assets."

Ariana with Ethan© Instagram
The star is reportedly in a relationship with her "Wicked" co-star Ethan Slater

She added, however, that when it comes to Ethan and Lilly's divorce, things could get a little more complicated because they share a one-year-old son. "Their son's welfare and needs will be hugely important. 

"Under English law, first consideration would go to their son's financial needs, and when it comes to the division of his care, his best interests would be paramount. So there are more considerations."

MORE: Ariana Grande hints at her new music as she enjoys date night with new beau Ethan Slater

However, she explained that the most likely circumstance would be an amicable one, elaborating: "Having said that, in both the US and the UK there is a huge appetite for amicable divorces, ditching the stigma of divorce and focusing on positive futures rather than long, drawn out legal acrimony. 

Ethan Slater attends the 72nd Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2018 in New York City© Getty Images
Ethan is in the midst of his own divorce from wife Lilly Jay

"Couples here are increasingly sharing a lawyer to dial down the drama and shortcut to the answer. Let's hope Ethan and Lilly can do the same."

MORE: Ariana Grande addresses fan 'bullying' in the wake of split and emotional anniversary

Ariana and Dalton began dating in early 2020 and confirmed their romance when they appeared together during lockdown in the music video for her collaboration with Justin Bieber, "Stuck With U."

Ariana Grande wears a grey Giambattista Valli to the 2020 Grammy Awards© Getty Images
"[Ariana's] was a short marriage with both spouses working and no children involved, and they had the benefit of a prenuptial agreement which it is likely they followed."

They got engaged that December and tied the knot at her Montecito home in May 2021, and kept their relationship private, eschewing public appearances together. They separated in February 2023 and simultaneously filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences."

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