After nearly two years of legal wrangling, reality television personalities Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval have finally reached a settlement regarding their disputed Los Angeles residence. Court documents filed on January 13, 2025, in Los Angeles Superior Court confirm the resolution of this high-profile property dispute that has captivated fans since the couple's dramatic split.
The legal notice, submitted by Madix's representatives, indicates that the case dismissal depends on the "satisfactory completion of specified terms," though the exact details remain confidential. The former couple is scheduled to appear before a judge on February 5 for a final status conference. Should the settlement terms not be fulfilled, the matter will proceed to trial on February 17, potentially reigniting the public battle over the Valley Village property they purchased during happier times.
The resolution marks the potential end of a contentious chapter that began when Madix filed a partition lawsuit against Sandoval on January 5, 2024. The filing sought a court-ordered sale of the residence with equitable distribution of proceeds—a legal maneuver typically employed when co-owners cannot agree on a property's disposition. The complaint specifically requested allocation for outstanding mortgage obligations, partition expenses, legal fees, and title-related costs.
Relationship Timeline and Scandal
The property dispute stems from the couple's highly publicized breakup on March 1, 2023, which ended their nine-year romantic relationship. The separation made headlines across entertainment media after revelations that Sandoval had engaged in an affair with their "Vanderpump Rules" co-star Rachel "Raquel" Leviss, a scandal that fans dubbed "Scandoval" and that became one of reality television's most talked-about controversies.
Despite the emotional turmoil and betrayal, the ex-partners continued living under the same roof for months following their separation, creating an uncomfortable and tense domestic situation that played out both privately and in the public eye. This unusual arrangement transformed their shared investment from a symbol of their future together into a source of ongoing conflict and legal complexity.
Legal Maneuvers and Responses
When Madix initiated legal action in early 2024, she made her intentions clear: she wanted to liquidate her investment and sever all financial ties with her former partner. The partition by sale request represented her desire for a clean break and the ability to reinvest in a property she could call her own.
Sandoval's legal team responded in February 2024 by challenging the complaint's validity, arguing that it failed to "state sufficient facts to state a cause of action." This defensive strategy suggested he may have preferred to retain the property or pursue a different resolution, though his specific preferences were never publicly detailed.
Madix's Public Statements
Following news of the lawsuit, Madix spoke candidly with PEOPLE about her motivations, expressing frustration with the prolonged situation. "I own the house," she stated emphatically, reinforcing her legal and financial stake in the property. Her comments revealed a pragmatic approach to what was undoubtedly an emotionally charged circumstance.
The television personality and entrepreneur described herself as a "control freak" who wanted "things a certain way when I think it's the right time," explaining her readiness to move forward. Her primary goal was straightforward: to extract her substantial investment from the property and redirect those funds toward a new home that represented her fresh start.
"I felt like it was the last thing, and I'm just really motivated to be able to get my investment that I made into the house out so that I can make another investment and be able to fully move on from being tied to that," Madix explained, articulating the financial and emotional closure she sought.
The Property at the Center of the Dispute
The contested residence, located in Los Angeles' Valley Village neighborhood, represents a significant real estate investment for the former couple. They purchased the five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom home in 2019 after six years together, providing PEOPLE with an exclusive tour in 2021 that showcased the property's modern amenities and personalized touches.
At the time of the feature, the house symbolized their shared success and commitment. The 4,453-square-foot property included a pool, spa, and custom design elements that reflected both personalities. What once represented a joint vision for the future had become a legal asset to be divided, stripped of its sentimental value by the circumstances of their separation.
Current Status and Implications
The settlement notice brings both parties one step closer to complete financial disentanglement, though the conditional nature of the dismissal means the matter isn't fully resolved. Real estate attorneys note that partition settlements often involve complex negotiations regarding valuation, buyout options, or sale terms that can take weeks to finalize.
For Madix, the resolution would enable her to pursue her stated goal of homeownership independence. Since the split, she has expanded her professional endeavors, including a successful Broadway run in "Chicago" and various business ventures, potentially positioning her for a significant property purchase once her capital is freed.
Sandoval, who continues appearing on "Vanderpump Rules" and pursuing music projects with his band, would likewise benefit from resolving the lingering financial entanglement, allowing him to move forward without the cloud of legal uncertainty.
Broader Context in Celebrity Property Disputes
The Madix-Sandoval case highlights a common challenge for unmarried couples who co-own real estate. Without the legal protections afforded by marriage, separating partners must rely on property law and civil litigation to divide assets, often resulting in public and costly disputes. The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile celebrity breakups where shared property became a battleground.
The "Scandoval" narrative has continued to drive interest in the legal proceedings, with fans of the Bravo series closely following developments. The settlement allows both parties to potentially avoid the spectacle of a public trial, which would have likely involved detailed testimony about their relationship, finances, and the circumstances of their breakup.
Looking Ahead
As the February 5 court date approaches, both parties will be working to fulfill the settlement terms. The entertainment industry and reality television fans will be watching to see if this marks the true conclusion of one of reality TV's messiest breakups or if the case will proceed to the scheduled trial.
Representatives for both Madix and Sandoval declined to provide immediate comment on the settlement details, maintaining the confidentiality typical of such agreements. The lack of public statements suggests both parties are focused on completing the private terms rather than engaging in further public discourse.
For now, the settlement represents a potential path forward for both individuals—one that allows them to finally close the door on their shared property and, symbolically, on the relationship that defined nearly a decade of their lives. The resolution, while legally complex, offers the promise of new beginnings for both reality stars as they continue to navigate their careers and personal lives in the public eye.