If you’ve been scrolling through Bravo reruns lately, you probably found yourself wondering: is Jules from RHONY divorced? It feels like a lifetime ago since Jules Wainstein sat on that reunion couch, clutching her tea and trying to navigate the absolute minefield of her first (and only) season.
Honestly, the answer is a resounding yes. But man, it was a brutal climb to get there.
Jules and Michael Wainstein officially finalized their divorce in late 2020, roughly four years after the initial split that rocked Season 8 of The Real Housewives of New York City. If you remember the show, you remember the cringe. Michael was constantly on his phone, looking everywhere but at his wife, while Jules was trying to manage a household, two kids, and a burgeoning business. It was painful to watch. Then, in June 2016, the news broke that they were done.
Most people thought it would be a quick "irreconcilable differences" situation. It wasn't. It became one of the most toxic, drawn-out legal battles in the history of the franchise.
The Messy Reality of the Jules Wainstein Divorce
The drama didn't stay on the screen. It spilled into police stations and Florida courtrooms. While the couple started their divorce in New York, Jules eventually moved to Boca Raton to be near her parents. This move wasn't just for the sunshine; it was about survival.
The legal filings were... intense. Michael’s legal team threw everything at the wall, including allegations of drug use and fitness-as-a-parent concerns. Jules, on the other hand, accused Michael of gross infidelity. Her rep at the time didn't mince words, basically telling the world that Michael had been unfaithful and that Jules was "a survivor."
The financial side was just as ugly.
At one point, there were reports of Jules facing eviction from their Manhattan townhouse. There was drama over a $200 weekly grocery bill, with Michael’s lawyers arguing the money should go to the nanny because they didn't trust Jules to buy the right food. It was a level of pettiness that even the most seasoned RHONY fans found shocking.
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What the Final Settlement Actually Looked Like
When the ink finally dried in 2020, the details of the settlement gave us a clear picture of who "won"—if anyone ever really wins in these things.
- Custody: Jules walked away with sole legal custody of their two children, Jagger and Rio.
- Support: She was awarded $4,133.33 in spousal support for a two-year period, plus $3,000 monthly in child support.
- Religion: Jules was given the final say on their education and religious upbringing, specifically that they would be raised in the Jewish faith.
- Assets: They agreed to split Michael’s interest in a mobile home community.
It wasn't the massive payout some expected from a "Manhattan socialite" lifestyle, but it gave her the autonomy she clearly craved during those dark filming days.
Life After the Bravo Cameras
So, what is she doing now? After the arrest in 2020—where she was booked for domestic battery after an alleged dispute with Michael during a custody exchange—Jules has mostly stayed out of the headlines. She’s living that Florida life, focusing on her kids and staying away from the toxic energy of reality TV.
She hasn't made a play for a "Housewives" return, and honestly, can you blame her?
Her time on RHONY was marked by her openness about her eating disorder, which was a heavy lift for a freshman housewife. Combining that with a crumbling marriage made for a season that felt less like entertainment and more like a cry for help.
Why People Still Search for Jules and Michael
The fascination with this specific divorce persists because it was so uncomfortable. We saw the "before" on TV—the weird phone calls, the lack of intimacy—and then the "after" played out in the tabloids. It’s a cautionary tale about the "Housewife Curse."
Michael’s attorney, Morghan Richardson, told People after the finalization that Michael was "ecstatic" to have the process finished. It took four years to untangle eight years of marriage. That’s a long time to spend in legal limbo while the world watches.
Moving Forward
If you're looking for more updates on Jules, her social media is the best bet, though she keeps it pretty curated these days. The focus is squarely on her children.
For those following similar high-profile splits, the Wainstein case is a reminder that "sole legal custody" is a massive deal in New York and Florida law. It signifies that the court found one parent significantly more capable of making major life decisions for the children.
If you are currently navigating a contentious separation, prioritize establishing a clear, court-ordered visitation schedule immediately. As Jules' case showed, ambiguity during custody exchanges can lead to legal escalations that overshadow the actual divorce. Keeping a detailed log of expenses and interactions is also vital, especially when accusations regarding lifestyle or parenting fitness are brought to the table.