Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's Split Spotlights Dating During Divorce
On June 9, 2026, multiple outlets confirmed that 'Wicked' costars Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater amicably ended their three-year relationship, which began in 2023 while each was still finalizing a separate divorce. For California residents, the story is a reminder that under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310, California is a no-fault divorce state — a new relationship before your divorce is final does not change property division or spousal support, but it can affect custody, dates, and your finances.
Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| What happened | Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater confirmed their split after about 3 years together |
| When | Reported June 9, 2026 |
| Where | Relationship began during the production and 2024 release of 'Wicked' |
| Who's affected | Grande (divorced Dalton Gomez) and Slater (divorced Dr. Lilly Jay) |
| Origin of relationship | Began in 2023 while both were separating from spouses |
| Key California rule | Cal. Fam. Code § 2310 — no-fault grounds; new relationships don't bar divorce |
The pairing drew scrutiny because it started after each was married, as reported by People and Philstar. That timeline — separating, dating, then finalizing — is one of the most common real-life scenarios family law attorneys address.
Why This Matters Legally
Dating before a divorce is final does not give your spouse legal grounds to stop or punish the divorce in California. California abolished fault-based divorce in 1970 with the Family Law Act, and under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310, the only grounds for dissolution are irreconcilable differences or permanent legal incapacity. A judge will not weigh who started seeing someone new when deciding whether to grant the divorce.
That legal reality surprises many people. In fault states, adultery can influence outcomes; in California, it generally cannot. The court does not assign blame for a marriage ending, and a new partner — even one who appears in headlines — does not alter the no-fault framework. The practical risks of dating during divorce in California are financial and custody-related, not grounds-related.
How California Law Handles This
California is a community property state, and dating during divorce does not change that 50/50 split. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 760, property and earnings acquired during marriage are community property divided equally at divorce. The date of separation — not the date you start dating — is the cutoff. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 70, the date of separation is when one spouse expresses intent to end the marriage and acts consistently with that intent. Earnings after that date are generally separate property.
A new relationship can, however, intersect with two specific issues. First, spending community funds on a new partner before the divorce is final can trigger a claim for breach of fiduciary duty under Cal. Fam. Code § 1100; a spouse who dissipates marital assets on an affair may owe reimbursement. Second, cohabitation matters for support: under Cal. Fam. Code § 4323, there is a rebuttable presumption of decreased need for spousal support when the supported spouse lives with a non-marital partner. Moving in with someone new can reduce or end the alimony you receive.
For parents, custody is governed by the best-interest standard in Cal. Fam. Code § 3011. A new relationship is not disqualifying, but a judge may consider how a new partner affects the children's stability and safety. Neither Grande nor Slater shares children with the other, which removes the custody dimension from their public split — but it remains the highest-stakes issue for everyday divorcing parents.
Practical Takeaways
If you are separating in California and considering a new relationship, the following steps protect you legally and financially:
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Establish your date of separation clearly. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 70, this date fixes what is community versus separate property. Document it in writing — a text, email, or filing — because it can be disputed later.
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Do not spend community money on a new partner. Gifts, trips, or shared expenses paid from marital funds before the divorce is final can create a reimbursement claim under Cal. Fam. Code § 1100.
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Understand how cohabitation affects support. If you receive spousal support, living with a new partner triggers the reduced-need presumption in Cal. Fam. Code § 4323, which can lower or terminate your payments.
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Keep new relationships away from your children during the case. Judges applying the best-interest standard in Cal. Fam. Code § 3011 may scrutinize how new partners are introduced.
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Finalize before you assume you are single. California imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period under Cal. Fam. Code § 2339; you remain legally married until the judgment is entered, regardless of how long you have been separated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dating before my divorce is final hurt me in California?
Dating before your divorce is final does not affect the grounds for divorce in California, because Cal. Fam. Code § 2310 makes it a no-fault state. It can hurt you financially if you spend community funds on a new partner or if cohabitation reduces your spousal support under § 4323.
Does adultery affect divorce in California?
No. California abolished fault-based divorce in 1970, and under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310, adultery is not a ground for divorce and does not affect property division. The only exception is financial: spending marital money on an affair can create a reimbursement claim under Cal. Fam. Code § 1100.
How long does a divorce take in California?
California requires a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the responding spouse is served, under Cal. Fam. Code § 2339. This means the earliest a divorce can be final is roughly 181 days after service, though complex cases involving property or support often take a year or more.
Will living with a new partner lower my alimony?
Yes, it can. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 4323, cohabitation with a non-marital partner creates a rebuttable presumption of decreased need for spousal support. The paying spouse can ask the court to reduce or end support, and you would have to prove your financial need has not actually decreased.
What is the date of separation and why does it matter?
The date of separation is when one spouse communicates an intent to end the marriage and acts on it, as defined in Cal. Fam. Code § 70. It matters because earnings and property acquired after that date are generally separate property under Cal. Fam. Code § 760, making it a frequently litigated issue.
Talk to a California Family Law Attorney
High-profile splits like Grande and Slater's make divorce look simple, but the timing of a new relationship can carry real financial consequences in California. If you are separating and unsure how dating, cohabitation, or your date of separation affects your case, a local family law attorney can give you clarity before you make a costly assumption.
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.