Ariana Grande, 32, and Ethan Slater, 34, who met filming 'Wicked,' have ended their nearly three-year relationship, with TMZ confirming on June 8, 2026 they had quietly broken up months earlier. For Californians, the bigger lesson lies in how relationships that begin before a divorce is final can complicate property division and custody under state law.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater ended their relationship after nearly 3 years |
| When | Confirmed by TMZ on June 8, 2026; reportedly split months earlier |
| Where | California (both reside primarily in LA-area) |
| Who's affected | Grande, Slater, and Slater's prior co-parenting arrangement |
| Key statute/rule | Cal. Fam. Code § 2310 (no-fault divorce) |
| Impact | Highlights how new relationships during pending divorces affect support and custody |
The couple met on the 'Wicked' set and began dating in 2023 after both separated from their spouses. While early reports framed the latest split as amicable, Page Six described an on-off dynamic, with people around the couple questioning its longevity since late 2025. Slater's contentious divorce from Lilly Jay coincided with the relationship's start in 2023.
Why this matters legally
A new relationship that begins before a divorce is finalized does not change the outcome of a California divorce, because California is a pure no-fault state under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310. Courts do not punish a spouse for dating, infidelity, or moving on. The grounds for divorce are limited to irreconcilable differences or permanent legal incapacity, and judges will not weigh who left whom or who started seeing someone new.
That said, a new relationship can still create indirect legal consequences. When a spouse spends community funds on a new partner, the other spouse may seek reimbursement. When a new partner enters a child's life during a custody dispute, the court may consider that relationship under the best-interest standard. The split itself is private, but the overlap of dating and divorce raises questions California families ask constantly.
How California law handles this
California divides marital property equally under Cal. Fam. Code § 760, which defines community property as everything acquired during marriage. Each spouse receives 50 percent of the community estate. The date of separation, governed by Cal. Fam. Code § 70, determines when earnings stop being community property. A spouse who begins a new relationship before separation is finalized risks disputes over whether the separation date was earlier or later than claimed, which can shift tens of thousands of dollars in property classification.
Spending community money on a new partner triggers a potential claim for breach of fiduciary duty under Cal. Fam. Code § 1100. Spouses owe each other the highest good-faith duty over community assets until division is complete. If one spouse gifts a new partner cars, trips, or jewelry from community funds, the other spouse can request reimbursement of their 50 percent share. California courts have ordered repayment in cases involving significant marital waste.
For custody, Cal. Fam. Code § 3011 directs courts to decide based on the best interests of the child. A parent's new relationship is generally irrelevant unless it affects the child's safety or stability. Judges will not deny custody simply because a parent is dating, but they may scrutinize how quickly a new partner is introduced and whether the arrangement disrupts the child's routine. The standard focuses on the child, not on the parents' romantic choices.
Spousal support follows Cal. Fam. Code § 4320, which lists factors including the marital standard of living and each spouse's earning capacity. Notably, cohabitation with a new partner can reduce or terminate support under Cal. Fam. Code § 4323, which creates a rebuttable presumption of decreased need when a supported spouse lives with a non-marital partner. A new relationship that becomes cohabitation can directly cut the amount of support owed.
Practical takeaways
-
Document your separation date carefully. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 70, the date of separation ends the accumulation of community property. Keep records of when you moved out, changed accounts, or communicated the intent to end the marriage, because a contested date can shift property worth tens of thousands of dollars.
-
Do not spend community funds on a new partner before division is final. Cal. Fam. Code § 1100 imposes a fiduciary duty until the estate is divided. Gifts, trips, or shared expenses can lead to a reimbursement order for your spouse's 50 percent share.
-
Introduce new partners to children slowly and thoughtfully. While Cal. Fam. Code § 3011 does not penalize dating, courts evaluate stability. A measured approach protects both your child and your custody position.
-
Understand how cohabitation affects support. If you receive spousal support and move in with a new partner, Cal. Fam. Code § 4323 creates a presumption that your need has decreased, which can reduce or end your payments.
-
Finalize one chapter before opening the next, when possible. Although California's no-fault system means dating will not cost you the divorce, completing your property and custody orders first reduces the chance that a new relationship becomes a bargaining chip in negotiations.
If you are navigating a divorce in California and wondering how a new relationship might affect your property, support, or custody, connecting with a local family law attorney can help you understand your specific rights and obligations. Divorce.law lists vetted divorce attorneys across California who can walk you through the no-fault process and protect your interests.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.