Ashley Darby’s Divorce Drama: The Prenup That Left Her Without Alimony

Ashley Darby, star of The Real Housewives of Potomac, has been in the spotlight since her high-profile separation from Michael Darby in April 2022. At the heart of their divorce saga lies a carefully crafted prenuptial agreement that has sparked widespread speculation among fans and critics alike.

The Prenup That Saved Michael’s Fortune

The prenuptial agreement between Ashley and Michael Darby, established prior to their marriage, has been instrumental in shaping the outcome of their divorce settlement. Sources close to the couple have revealed that the prenup protected Michael’s significant real estate portfolio and financial assets. Without this agreement, Michael’s multi-million-dollar fortune could have been at risk.

During the Season 7 reunion of RHOP, Ashley herself admitted, “According to the prenup, I’m not allowed to get alimony,” underscoring how the legal document ensured Michael retained the bulk of his wealth. Insiders have confirmed that the divorce settlement was amicable and fair, with both parties agreeing on the division of property and spousal support.

Despite the perceived fairness, fans have raised questions about the emotional and financial toll of the prenup on Ashley. With the divorce now officially filed, many are curious to see if the upcoming reunion episodes will shed more light on the details of their settlement.

Why the Divorce Took Two Years to Finalize

While Ashley and Michael separated in 2022, it took over two years for the divorce to be filed and finalized. The delay, according to insiders, stemmed from the couple’s desire to reach a mutual agreement on critical matters, including child custody and asset division.

Ashley reportedly wanted the proceedings to remain private until all terms were finalized, ensuring a smoother transition for their family. In her statement announcing the split, Ashley expressed their shared commitment to co-parenting their two sons, Dean and Dylan:

“While our romantic bond is broken, we will always love and respect each other. True happiness can only be achieved by working together and putting our hearts and souls into raising our two beautiful boys.”

This emphasis on collaboration and privacy reflects the couple’s efforts to navigate the complexities of divorce with dignity, even as their personal lives unfolded in the public eye.

A Brief Romance with Luke Gulbranson

Amidst the turbulence of her separation, Ashley briefly found solace in a budding romance with Summer House star Luke Gulbranson. The pair, who connected at BravoCon 2022, quickly became a fan-favorite couple, blending two popular Bravo franchises.

However, their relationship lasted just three months before they called it quits in January 2023. Ashley later revealed that she and Luke were no longer in contact, emphasizing that their breakup marked the end of any lingering friendship.

Despite its short-lived nature, Ashley’s relationship with Luke offered her a glimpse of happiness during a challenging period. Fans remain intrigued about how this chapter of her life may be addressed in future episodes of RHOP.

What’s Next for Ashley Darby?

With the divorce proceedings moving forward, Ashley’s focus appears to be on building a new chapter for herself and her children. While the prenup may have left her without alimony, her resilience and determination are evident as she continues to thrive both personally and professionally.

As fans eagerly await the upcoming reunion episodes, questions linger about Ashley’s future in the Real Housewives franchise. Will she open up more about the divorce process, her past relationships, or the lessons she’s learned? One thing is certain: Ashley Darby’s journey is far from over, and viewers will be watching closely as she navigates this next phase of her life.

The Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays on Bravo and is available for streaming on Peacock.