Shocking Prenup: Monique Samuels Walks Away from Chris with Only a Lump Sum Payment

Though Monique Samuels and Chris Samuels have gone their separate ways after more than a decade of marriage, they continue to capture the public’s attention, especially regarding the terms of their divorce settlement. Once portrayed as a happily married couple on The Real Housewives of Potomac, Monique left the show in Season 5, only later revealing the cracks in their relationship.

The End of a Decade-Long Marriage

After more than ten years together, Monique and Chris decided to part ways when their relationship became irreparable. According to Monique, her primary reason for ending the marriage was to ensure that their children didn’t grow up thinking that the constant conflict and emotional distance in their household were “normal.”

Monique also opened up about her personal struggles and childhood trauma, which had taken a toll on her well-being. She believed that staying in the marriage would only harm their children further, as they would witness their parents’ frequent arguments and emotional disconnection.

Another factor contributing to their split was how reality TV served as a distraction from the deeper issues in their relationship. These tensions were documented during the first season of Love & Marriage: DC, where Monique and Chris made efforts to repair their marriage but ultimately failed.

Prenuptial Agreement and Asset Division

Before tying the knot, Monique and Chris signed a prenuptial agreement to establish financial clarity. In an episode of the Dear Future Wifey podcast, Monique detailed this agreement and emphasized her concerns about not having her own income while being married.

Before their marriage, Monique worked as Chris’s business manager. She explained that the divorce settlement essentially mirrored the salary she would have received had she continued in that role. “The agreement wasn’t about ‘setting me up’ post-divorce; it was to ensure I wouldn’t be entirely dependent,” she clarified.

Following the divorce, Monique did not receive child support or alimony. Instead, she was granted a one-time lump sum payment, which she used to purchase a new home for herself and her three children. Currently, Monique earns income from her sole season of Love & Marriage: DC and her prior work in radio broadcasting.

Choosing a New Life After Divorce

Monique and Chris share joint custody of their children, with each parent caring for them two weeks per month. Monique has also taken on the responsibility of homeschooling her children to provide them with a stable and nurturing learning environment.

With an estimated net worth of $4 to $8 million, Monique has successfully rebuilt her life after divorce. She now focuses on creating a better future for herself and her family, far removed from the drama of her reality TV past.

While Real Housewives of Potomac continues to serve as a platform for dramatic and revealing stories about its stars, for Monique, the show represents just one chapter in her long journey toward growth and independence.