In a significant development in their ongoing divorce, former Vanderpump Rules stars Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright have reached an agreement on custody arrangements for their 3-year-old son, Cruz. The deal, detailed in court documents obtained by TMZ on Tuesday, March 10, outlines a structured parenting plan that emphasizes joint responsibility while imposing certain restrictions to ensure the child's well-being.
According to the paperwork, Taylor, 46, and Cartwright, 37, will share joint legal custody, meaning they will collaborate on major decisions regarding Cruz's health, education, and general welfare. However, if the two cannot reach a consensus on health-related matters, Cartwright will have the final say. This provision highlights a nuanced balance in their co-parenting dynamic, as reported by Us Weekly.
The physical custody schedule grants Taylor time with Cruz every other weekend and on Wednesday nights. Cartwright will handle the majority of the weekdays and the alternating weekends. Notably, neither parent is required to pay child support to the other; instead, each will cover the costs and expenses associated with Cruz during their respective custody periods. This arrangement, as per the documents, aims to foster financial independence while prioritizing the child's needs.
Additional stipulations in the agreement address lifestyle boundaries to protect Cruz. Both Taylor and Cartwright have pledged to abstain from alcohol, marijuana, or any illegal drugs while the child is in their care. The documents also establish a six-month waiting period before either parent can introduce a new significant other to Cruz, a measure intended to provide stability during this transitional phase.
The couple further committed to celebrating Cruz's birthdays together and refraining from speaking negatively about one another in the child's presence. These clauses reflect a concerted effort to shield Cruz from the tensions of their separation, sources close to the matter indicated.
Taylor and Cartwright's relationship has been a public spectacle since their early days on Vanderpump Rules, where their tumultuous romance captivated audiences. They tied the knot in 2019 after years of on-again, off-again dating, marked by infidelity scandals and heated arguments that played out on screen. Following their exit from the Bravo series, the pair sought a quieter life, eventually returning to the spotlight with the 2024 spinoff The Valley, which chronicled their attempts at family life in a Los Angeles suburb.
However, cracks in their marriage resurfaced on the new show, with episodes delving into their marital strife. In August 2024, Cartwright filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and the proceedings have continued amid public scrutiny. Taylor, for his part, entered a mental health treatment facility during this period, a step he later described as crucial for his personal recovery.
In a statement released in July 2025, Taylor announced his decision to step away from the next season of The Valley. “After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I’ll be stepping away from the next season of The Valley,” he shared. “Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health and coparenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself — especially for our son, Cruz.” This move came after revelations about his struggles with addiction, which he has openly discussed in recent interviews.
Speaking to Us Weekly in March 2025, Taylor reflected on his history with substance abuse, admitting to intermittent cocaine use. “I’ve been in and out of using cocaine for awhile. I wouldn’t use it every single day. There would be months I would take off,” he said. “And then I would do it like a week here, maybe two times a month or three times a month. It got really bad though. When the divorce started, I felt like I was doing it recreationally.”
Taylor elaborated on the deeper issues fueling his behavior, framing his recovery as a multifaceted journey. “I had all these other issues because I’m masking loneliness. I’m masking the texting women by doing drugs and drinking alcohol. I have all these other issues,” he explained. “So it’s a slow process, which is hard for me because I always look for the quick fix. This is one of those things in life that it’s not a quick fix. You have to work at it. I’m not used to that.”
He acknowledged the damage caused by his actions, noting the toll on his relationships and public image. “This is not gonna work that way. That’s not how addiction, sickness and mental health works. People are like, ‘Jax, you’ve done a lot of freaking damage.’ Like, a lot. And this is just not going to go away anymore. People have had enough,” Taylor continued, underscoring his commitment to long-term change.
Cartwright has remained relatively private about the custody details but has previously spoken about her priorities as a mother. In earlier statements related to their separation, she emphasized creating a stable environment for Cruz, aligning with the protective elements of the new agreement. Friends of the couple have reportedly expressed relief at the resolution, viewing it as a positive step forward amid the divorce's complexities.
The custody deal arrives at a pivotal moment for Taylor, who has been navigating sobriety and co-parenting challenges. His time in treatment, which he entered prior to the July 2025 announcement, was prompted by a combination of personal and professional pressures. Sources indicate that the agreement was negotiated with input from legal teams focused on Cruz's best interests, avoiding a protracted court battle.
Looking ahead, the divorce proceedings remain active, with property division and other financial matters still unresolved. The couple's history of public reconciliations and breakups adds layers to their current situation; for instance, Taylor has referenced past episodes where Cartwright allowed him limited access to Cruz, as noted in related coverage from Us Weekly. “Jax Taylor Takes Care of Son Cruz Whenever Brittany Cartwright ‘Allows’ Him,” one article headline captured this dynamic prior to the formal deal.
Beyond the legal aspects, the agreement underscores broader themes in celebrity divorces, particularly those involving young children and substance issues. Experts in family law, while not directly involved, have commented in general terms on similar cases, stressing the importance of clear boundaries like the drug abstinence clause to safeguard minors. As Taylor and Cartwright move forward, their focus on co-parenting could serve as a model for other high-profile parents navigating separation.
For fans who followed their journey from Vanderpump Rules to The Valley, this custody resolution marks a chapter of closure in a story filled with drama. With Taylor prioritizing recovery and Cartwright advocating for her son's stability, the path ahead promises a more private, if still challenging, co-existence. The full implications of the deal will unfold as they implement its terms in daily life.