A Los Angeles court has ruled in favor of reality television personality DeAnna Pappas in her ongoing financial dispute with ex-husband Stephen Stagliano, awarding her a five-figure sum after she claimed she had been forced to deplete her savings to cover living expenses.
According to TMZ.com, the judge ordered Stagliano to pay Pappas $27,240 for money owed as part of their divorce settlement. The payment structure requires Stagliano to remit $500 monthly, with a significant stipulation: if he misses even a single payment, the entire remaining balance becomes due immediately.
The financial dispute centers on funds Stagliano moved from his retirement account, an asset in which Pappas held a legal interest. Pappas had initially claimed Stagliano owed her $109,000 related to these retirement account transfers. While Stagliano acknowledged the debt, he maintained that his actions were not undertaken with malicious intent.
The former couple, who married in 2011 and separated in 2023, share two minor children. Their divorce proceedings have been complicated by significant changes in both parties' financial circumstances. The court recently reduced Stagliano's child support obligations after he lost his position in the gaming industry, subsequently taking employment with Uber to maintain income.
Pappas, who appeared on 'The Bachelorette,' has also experienced financial difficulties. She reported losing her previous employment and currently works as a flight attendant, earning approximately $2,618 per month. This substantial reduction in income formed part of her argument before the court regarding the urgency of receiving funds owed from the divorce settlement.
The case illustrates the complex financial entanglements that can arise during divorce proceedings, particularly when both parties experience significant career disruptions. The court's decision to impose immediate full payment as a penalty for missed installments reflects judicial concern about ensuring compliance with the settlement terms.
The ruling, issued Monday, June 30, 2026, in Los Angeles Superior Court, represents a partial victory for Pappas in her efforts to secure financial stability following the dissolution of her marriage. While the awarded amount falls short of the $109,000 she initially sought, it provides immediate relief as she navigates her changed economic circumstances while caring for the couple's children.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
