At a Glance
- Kurt Iswarienko filed court papers on January 14 to void his divorce settlement with Shannen Doherty
- He claims the Los Angeles court lacks jurisdiction because the case was filed in the wrong venue
- Doherty’s estate says he still owes $1.5 million from a Texas home sale and $50,274 from an airplane buyout
- Why it matters: The dispute leaves Doherty’s estate without funds and personal items promised in the settlement
Kurt Iswarienko is trying to undo the divorce agreement he signed with Shannen Doherty just one day before her death, citing a court technicality. The move comes after her estate accused him of withholding money and belongings owed under the deal.
Court Challenge Filed
Iswarienko’s attorney submitted the challenge in Los Angeles Superior Court, arguing the settlement was filed in the wrong jurisdiction. Because of that error, he claims the court has no power to enforce the terms.
He also asserts the entire divorce case should have died with Doherty on July 13, 2024, making the settlement invalid.
Money and Property at Stake
Doherty’s estate outlined several unmet obligations:
- Sell her $1.5 million Dripping Springs, Texas, home and split proceeds equally
- Pay $100,000 for her share of a Mooney M-20 airplane within five business days of sale
- Return personal items, including photographs of the actress
The estate says Iswarienko:
- Has not listed the house for sale
- Sold the plane in August 2024 but withheld $50,274
- Keeps personal property that belongs to the estate
Trustee Authority Disputed
Iswarienko counters that Christopher Cortazzo, trustee of the Shannen Doherty Family Trust, lacks authority to bring the November 24 motion demanding payment. He wants the court to reject both the trustee’s claims and the original settlement.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Doherty files for divorce after 11 years of marriage |
| July 12, 2024 | Doherty signs settlement |
| July 13, 2024 | Iswarienko signs settlement; Doherty dies |
| August 2024 | Airplane sold, partial payment made |
| November 24, 2024 | Estate files motion alleging breach |
| January 14, 2025 | Iswarienko challenges settlement validity |
Background on the Split
Doherty’s representative, Leslie Sloane, told News Of Los Angeles in 2023 that divorce “was the last thing Shannen wanted” but she “felt she was left with no other option.” Months later, Doherty revealed on her podcast that she discovered her husband’s alleged two-year affair shortly before undergoing brain surgery, saying she felt “incredibly unloved by someone I was with for 14 years.”
Key Takeaways
- Iswarienko’s jurisdictional argument could delay or deny payments the estate claims it is owed
- The $1.5 million home sale and withheld $50,274 airplane sum remain unresolved
- Personal photographs and other items specified in the settlement have not been returned
- A ruling on the validity of both the settlement and the trustee’s authority is now before the court
