The marriage between Ashley Darby and Michael Darby has officially come to an end. Court records indicate that on November 20, the 36-year-old Real Housewives of Potomac star filed for divorce from the entrepreneur, 64. The filing, noted as uncontested, arrives two years after the pair—parents to sons Dean and Dylan—announced their separation following eight years of marriage.
Confirmation of the divorce was shared by Ashley’s attorney, who stated, “Ashley Darby has filed for divorce from her husband, Michael Darby. She is very pleased that they reached an amicable resolution with their children’s well-being as the priority.”
Back in April 2022, Ashley addressed their separation in a statement to Bravo’s Daily Dish. She acknowledged the speculation surrounding their decision, emphasizing, “Many might believe that factors like reality TV exposure, our age difference, cultural divides, or parenting disagreements were the cause.”
While Ashley admitted that elements of these challenges impacted their relationship, she clarified that no single issue was to blame for their mutual decision to part ways. At the time, a source close to the couple shared with PEOPLE that trust issues and ongoing inconsistencies in their relationship had contributed to Ashley’s decision to end the marriage.
Reflecting on the split in October 2023, Ashley discussed the breakup’s impact on RHOP. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, she explained, “Separating from Michael was a very difficult choice, but the right one for us. I’ve grown into someone very different from who I was when we first met.”
Ashley admitted that the relationship had been unraveling for some time, adding, “It was a long process, but certain pivotal moments brought it to a head.” She also mentioned that Michael opted not to continue participating in the reality series, stating, “He felt he needed to reclaim his privacy and live life away from the spotlight.”
Since parting ways, Ashley has begun to explore dating again but noted she remains emotionally tied to her ex-husband. “At 34, I’m in my prime, and I think about dating,” she shared. “However, while still living with Michael and passing this transition, I can’t fully open myself to anyone new just yet.”