‘RHOP’ star Ashley Darby reaches joint custody agreement for children amid divorce battle

After nearly two years of separation, The Real Housewives of Potomac star Ashley Darby has taken the decisive step toward ending her marriage to Australian businessman Michael Darby. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Ashley filed for divorce on November 20, marking a significant chapter in the couple’s tumultuous journey.

A Marriage Built on a Prenup and Two Sons

Ashley and Michael Darby, who were married for eight years, had signed a prenuptial agreement that outlined terms for asset division and support in the event of a split. Despite their legal preparations, the couple has managed to maintain a united front when it comes to their two children, Dean Michael and Dylan Matthew. Reports confirm that the pair has agreed to an “amicable and fair settlement” and will share custody of their sons.

Why Did Ashley and Michael Call It Quits?

The couple’s separation in April 2022 left fans speculating about the reasons behind their split. In a joint statement to Bravo’s The Daily Dish, Ashley and Michael addressed the rumors, noting that while factors like reality TV exposure, age differences, and cultural clashes may have played a role, none of these were the sole cause.

“Pieces of all these may have affected our pure love for each other, but no one reason is the root cause of our mutual decision to go our separate ways,” Ashley shared at the time.

Navigating Co-Parenting: Parallel Lives for the Kids

Since their separation, Ashley and Michael have embraced a co-parenting style that she refers to as “parallel parenting.” During a November 2023 interview with Us Weekly, Ashley explained, “We’re just really only communicating for the children, which I think is the best until we get to a better place personally.”

The arrangement allows them to focus on their children’s well-being while maintaining distance in their personal interactions—a strategy Ashley humorously admitted to learning from TikTok.

Ashley’s Romantic Ventures: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Though currently single, Ashley briefly explored dating following her separation from Michael. In late 2022, she was linked to Summer House star Luke Gulbranson. However, their romance fizzled by January 2023, with Ashley reflecting on the experience as a lesson in pacing herself emotionally.

“I’ve learned that maybe I should just slow down a little bit,” she admitted. “When I like somebody, I just nose dive… and I can’t do that.”

The Road Ahead for Ashley Darby

Despite the challenges of her divorce and single life, Ashley continues to shine on The Real Housewives of Potomac. Her candid approach to navigating the ups and downs of love, family, and reality TV has endeared her to fans who eagerly watch her journey.

With her legal proceedings now in motion, Ashley is focusing on her sons, her personal growth, and perhaps a fresh start in love when the time feels right. Whether navigating co-parenting with Michael or embracing her independence, Ashley Darby is proving that life after divorce can still be filled with promise and resilience.