Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval, former partners and reality television stars from Vanderpump Rules, have reached a conditional settlement in their years-long legal battle over the sale of the Los Angeles home they once shared. The development brings a significant chapter of their public fallout closer to resolution, nearly three years after their highly publicized breakup.
The settlement was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court on January 13, 2026, but court documents do not disclose the financial or logistical terms of the agreement. Instead, the case is dismissed only if both sides meet the specified conditions by an upcoming deadline.
Madix and Sandoval are scheduled to appear before a judge on February 5 for a final status conference. If the agreed-upon conditions are not fulfilled by that date, the case could proceed to trial later that month.
Background of the Dispute
The legal conflict stems from a dramatic split between Madix and Sandoval in March 2023, after nearly a decade together, when news broke of Sandoval’s affair with their Vanderpump Rules co-star Rachel “Raquel” Leviss. The scandal, widely dubbed “Scandoval,” garnered extensive media attention and ultimately ended their relationship.
Following the breakup, the couple continued to co-own and, at times, reside in their five-bedroom home in San Fernando Valley, a property they had purchased in 2019 for around $2 million. This arrangement proved contentious, as Madix sought to end their legal and financial ties to the property.
In January 2024, Madix filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court asking a judge to order a partition by sale of the home, which would force the property onto the open market so the proceeds could be divided equitably between the two owners. She requested reimbursement of her original investment, legal fees, and related expenses.
Sandoval, for his part, argued against the partition, reportedly proposing a cash buyout of Madix’s share. The negotiation over how to resolve the dispute and whether the house should be sold underpinned months of legal maneuvering.
The Settlement and What Comes Next
The recent filing does not detail how the settlement resolves the division of the property, money, or other logistical issues. Instead, it states that the case will be dismissed provided that specified conditions are satisfied within a given timeframe.
Legal observers emphasize that such conditional dismissals are common in civil disputes, allowing parties to resolve issues privately without the matter being fully adjudicated in court. If the conditions are not met, the case may return to court, with trial dates previously suggested for mid-February.
Both Madix and Sandoval have moved forward personally since their split:
- Madix purchased a separate home in Hollywood Hills in March 2024 and has appeared on the reality competition series Dancing With the Stars while hosting Love Island USA.
- Sandoval has remained in the Los Angeles area and pursued television opportunities, including a controversial turn on The Traitors.
Why the Case Drew Attention
The home dispute drew public attention not only because of the high-profile nature of Vanderpump Rules but also because it followed one of the franchise’s most viral scandals. After nearly ten years together, the end of Madix and Sandoval’s relationship became cultural news, with media outlets and fans closely tracking developments including legal actions connected to the split.
Their case highlights broader legal realities for unmarried couples who co-own property: without the legal protections of marriage, disputes over jointly owned assets can result in drawn-out litigation unless parties reach an agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval have reached a conditional settlement in their legal dispute over their shared Los Angeles home.
- The lawsuit, originally filed by Madix in January 2024, sought a court-ordered sale of the property.
- The dismissal of the case depends on both parties meeting specified terms by an upcoming court date.
- If conditions are not satisfied, the case may proceed to trial in February.
Where Was the Case Filed?
The legal dispute between Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, California.
The case concerned a partition by sale request related to the Los Angeles home the former couple jointly owned following their breakup.
A conditional settlement was submitted to the court in January 2026, with a status hearing scheduled to determine whether the agreed terms were fulfilled.
Ariana Madix — Attributes
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ariana Madix |
| Occupation | Reality television star, host, actress |
| Known For | Vanderpump Rules, Love Island USA, Dancing With the Stars |
| Former Partner | Tom Sandoval |
| Relationship Period | Approximately 2014 – 2023 |
| Property Ownership | Co-owned Los Angeles home with Sandoval |
| Legal Action | Filed partition lawsuit seeking sale of shared property |
| Current Residence | Purchased separate home in Hollywood Hills |
| Public Role in Case | Plaintiff |
| Network Affiliation | Bravo, NBCUniversal |
Tom Sandoval — Attributes
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Anthony Sandoval |
| Occupation | Reality television personality, musician |
| Known For | Vanderpump Rules |
| Former Partner | Ariana Madix |
| Relationship Period | Approximately 2014 – 2023 |
| Property Ownership | Co-owned Los Angeles home with Madix |
| Legal Position | Opposed forced sale; proposed buyout |
| Public Role in Case | Defendant |
| Network Affiliation | Bravo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval officially settle their legal dispute?
Yes. The two reached a conditional settlement filed with Los Angeles Superior Court in January 2026.
What was the lawsuit about?
The case involved the sale and division of proceeds from a Los Angeles home the former couple purchased together in 2019.
Why did Ariana Madix file the lawsuit?
Madix requested a court-ordered sale (partition by sale) to sever financial ties following their breakup.
Were the settlement terms made public?
No. The financial and logistical terms of the settlement were not disclosed in court filings.
What happens if the conditions are not met?
If settlement conditions are not fulfilled by the court’s deadline, the case could proceed to trial.
Are Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval still in contact?
There is no public indication of a personal relationship following their breakup and legal dispute.
Conclusion
The conditional settlement between Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval marks a significant step toward closing one of the final legal chapters stemming from their highly publicized split. Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the agreement reflects a pragmatic resolution to a property dispute that drew national attention in the aftermath of the “Scandoval” fallout.
While the precise terms remain private, the settlement underscores the legal complexities faced by unmarried couples who co-own property. For Madix and Sandoval, the agreement represents a move toward financial and personal separation—bringing long-running litigation closer to its end, pending court approval.
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