Introduction
Shannen Doherty’s former husband, photographer Kurt Iswarienko, has filed to overturn the divorce settlement that was finalized a day before the actress’s death. The move comes less than two years after Doherty’s passing and raises questions about the legality of the agreement. The case highlights how personal and legal matters can collide when a life ends abruptly.
**At a Glance
- Settlement signed on July 12, 2024, one day before Doherty’s death.
- Iswarienko argues the divorce was filed in the wrong court.
- The dispute centers on unpaid spousal support and property claims.
Marriage and Reality TV Wedding
Doherty and Iswarienko married in October 2011 in Malibu, California, after a whirlwind romance that began on a film set. Their wedding was broadcast on WE TV’s reality series Shannen Says, which followed the couple’s planning process and featured wedding planner David Tutera. The eight-episode show aired until May 2012 and gave viewers an inside look at the couple’s early life together.
Cancer Diagnosis and Support
In 2015, Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle she kept private until she called Iswarienko in September 2016. He was waiting for her in the driveway when she returned home, and she described his reaction to Entertainment Tonight: “[He] hugged me and said, ‘We are going to get through this. You are going to be okay.'” The couple’s shared commitment to fighting the disease was a cornerstone of their relationship.
Separation and Divorce
The couple separated in January 2023, and Doherty filed for divorce in April of that year, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Shortly after the filing, she posted a cryptic Instagram message: “The only people who deserve to be in your life are the ones who treat you with love, kindness and total respect.” The divorce proceedings were described by her representative as a last resort, stating that divorce was the last thing she wanted.
Settlement and Death
In June 2024, Doherty’s lawyers alleged that Iswarienko was delaying the divorce by withholding financial documentation. Court filings revealed she had not received information about his “archive” of original photography work. Iswarienko’s attorney, Katherine Heersema, denied the claim and said he had offered a settlement deal in October 2023, which Doherty refused.
On July 12, 2024, Doherty signed a filing to waive spousal support and agreed to an “uncontested dissolution” of their marriage. Iswarienko signed the document on July 13, 2024, the same day Doherty died from breast cancer at age 53. The settlement was finalized just before her death, a fact that has fueled the current legal dispute.
Legal Challenge in 2026
In November 2025, Doherty’s lawyers claimed that Iswarienko still owed money as part of the settlement and that he had “refused to return [Doherty’s] items of personal property.” However, in January 2026, Iswarienko filed documents with the Los Angeles Superior Court, arguing that the divorce settlement was brought in the wrong court and therefore lacks jurisdiction to enforce the agreement.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2011 | Marriage in Malibu |
| January 2023 | Separation announced |
| April 2023 | Doherty files for divorce |
| June 2024 | Allegations of withholding documentation |
| July 12, 2024 | Settlement signed by Doherty |
| July 13, 2024 | Settlement signed by Iswarienko; Doherty dies |
| November 2025 | Lawyers claim unpaid settlement and property dispute |
| January 2026 | Iswarienko files challenge to settlement |
Key Takeaways
- The divorce settlement was finalized a day before Doherty’s death, a timing that has become central to the legal dispute.
- Iswarienko’s challenge hinges on the claim that the settlement was filed in the wrong court.
- The case underscores the complexities that arise when personal agreements intersect with sudden death and legal jurisdiction.
