Artem Chigvintsev has hit back at his ex’s petition for sole custody. Amid Nikki Garcia filing for divorce from the professional Russian dancer, he turned around and filed for joint custody of their 4-year-old son, Matteo. On Friday, September 13, the Dancing with the Stars pro dancer submitted documents seeking joint legal and physical custody of their child. He is also requesting spousal support from the 40-year-old retired professional wrestler, and he wants her to pay his attorney’s fees and costs.
More from CafeMom: Nikki Garcia Files for Divorce From Artem Chigvintsev After His Domestic Violence Arrest
Nikki filed for divorce after Artem's DV arrest.
The former WWE star filed for divorce from Artem on Wednesday, September 11, after two years of marriage. The filing came shortly after the 42-year-old choreographer was arrested on domestic violence charges. The arrest took place in Napa Valley, California, on August 29, 2024, with the specific charge being corporal injury to a spouse. He was booked on a $25,000 bail before being released in under an hour, according to documents that People obtained.
She requested sole legal and physical custody of their son.
In her filing, Nikki asked for sole legal and physical custody of Matteo, and requested that Artem only be allowed child visitation. She also asked that spousal support be terminated for both parties. “She continues to ask for privacy for her and her family at this time,” a rep of hers told People.
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Artem's attorney says the two are trying to co-parent.
“At this time, Mr. Chigvintsev will not comment on any pending proceeding. The parties are focused on co-parenting and working together for the best interests of their son,” Ilona Antonyan, who is Chigvintsev’s attorney, shared in a statement, per People. “As a standard practice, the divorce response preserves Mr. Chigvintsev’s financial rights to support and fees. Failure to check these boxes in the responsive pleadings waives the right to seek such remedies. There is no motion pending for spousal support or fees, also known as the Request for Order. The parties intend to resolve all pending issues on mutually acceptable terms.”
The former couple recently celebrated their anniversary.
On August 26, Artem made a post on his Instagram in celebration of their anniversary. The post included two snapshots from their wedding. “Happy anniversary my love , can’t see my life with out you,” he wrote in the post. “You are my everything ❤️.” The comments on his post have been turned off.
Nikki also shared a video from their wedding day and other clips of the family on her page. “And that’s when I knew that I was falling in love with him and that it was all meant to be. 🙏🏼✨,” she wrote in part.
Fans responded.
The comment section under Nikki’s post was left open, so fans were quick to comment on the couples’ recent ordeal.
“Well this post didn’t age well. Hope you are ok 💔💔💔,” one person wrote. “No one truly ever knows what happens behind closed doors,” another person commented. Someone else chimed in, “Never trust the endless bliss of social media posts. Hope you’re safe, take care of yourself Nikki.”
