You’ve seen the headlines. You’ve probably seen the Instagram Lives where Cardi B is either crying, laughing, or dragging someone’s name through the mud. It feels like every other week there’s a new rumor about where she stands with Offset. But honestly? The answer to are cardi b and offset married is way more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no" because, in 2026, they are essentially living in a legal limbo that would make a corporate lawyer’s head spin.
Technically, on paper, they are still married.
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But if you ask Cardi? She’ll tell you she’s been single for a lifetime. The reality is that while their hearts moved on a long time ago—specifically around December 2023 when the "WAP" rapper confirmed the split—the legal system hasn't caught up. It’s a mess of tax liens, property disputes, and child support filings that has turned a seven-year marriage into a multi-year courtroom battle.
The Paperwork Problem: Why They Aren't Divorced Yet
Most fans were shocked when Cardi B filed for divorce again in July 2024. This wasn't the first time; she’d done the same thing back in 2020 before they reconciled and had their son, Wave. This time, however, it felt final. She was pregnant with their third child, Blossom, at the time of the filing. But even with a third baby arriving in September 2024, the "finalized" stamp remains elusive.
Why? Money. It’s always money.
Cardi hasn’t been shy about the details. During an explosive X Spaces session in late 2025, she basically claimed she was being held "hostage" by the legal process. According to her, the divorce is stalled because Offset allegedly wants her to cover his back taxes. There’s also the matter of a $1.5 million tax debt that Offset reportedly just cleared in early 2026, but that hasn't smoothed things over as much as you'd think.
- The Tax Lien: A federal tax lien for nearly $500k was still looming over Offset as recently as October 2025.
- The Property: Cardi mentioned that getting out of the marriage might require her to hand over one of her properties.
- Spousal Support: Offset actually filed an amended response asking for spousal support. Yeah, you read that right.
It’s messy. It’s not "peaceful at all," to use Cardi's own words from her interview on The Breakfast Club. When a couple has this much combined wealth, "uncoupling" isn't just about moving out of the mansion; it's about untangling a web of royalties, investments, and IRS headaches.
New Lives, Old Contracts
While the lawyers argue over who owes what to the government, life hasn't stopped. Cardi B has very publicly moved on with NFL star Stefon Diggs. It’s been a whirlwind: courtside seats at Knicks games, steamy boat photos, and eventually, the birth of their first child together in late 2025.
This created a weird legal quirk. Because the answer to are cardi b and offset married is technically "yes" until a judge signs off, Cardi’s newest baby was born while she was still legally the wife of another man. Rumor mill whispers—partially fueled by influencers like Celina Powell—suggested there was even drama at the hospital regarding whose name would go on the paperwork.
Offset, for his part, seems to be taking it "on the chin," a phrase he used while talking to Keke Palmer. He’s admitted to "stepping out" and making mistakes. But he’s also allegedly issued some pretty dark threats toward Diggs in leaked videos. It’s a classic case of "we’re over, but we’re not done."
The Kids at the Center
Through all the "Man of Your Word" lyrics and the Instagram unfollowings, there are three children involved: Kulture, Wave, and Blossom.
Co-parenting is the goal, but it’s currently a rocky one. Cardi has hinted that she isn't really into the "co-parenting" vibe right now because of the ongoing litigation. In her mind, she's a single mom who happens to have a very expensive piece of paper tying her to her ex. Offset still wants joint custody, and despite the "hostage" comments, he’s been seen at birthday parties for the kids, maintaining a semblance of family for their sake.
What This Means for You
If you’re looking for a clear-cut ending, you won't find it in 2026. The divorce is "unfinished." It’s a legal separation in practice but a marriage in the eyes of the state of New Jersey (where she filed).
The takeaway for the rest of us?
- Prenups and Postnups matter: Even if they had one, the complexity of their earnings makes it difficult to enforce without a fight.
- Taxes can ruin a clean break: If you share financial liabilities, you can't just walk away because you "grew out of love."
- Public vs. Private: What we see on social media is only about 10% of the actual legal battle.
The most likely outcome for the remainder of 2026 is a quiet settlement once the IRS is satisfied and the property division is ironed out. Until then, expect more cryptic captions and perhaps another track on a future album detailing exactly how much that "freedom" ended up costing.
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To stay truly updated on the legal finalization, you should monitor the New Jersey Superior Court filings, as that is where the most recent petition was lodged. Avoid relying solely on "insider" tweets, as both parties have used social media as a tactical tool in their negotiations. Following reputable legal news outlets that track celebrity matrimonial law will give you a clearer picture of when that "married" status finally flips to "divorced."