James Bergener, the husband of Real Housewives of Orange County newbie Noella Bergener, has filed for divorce after he was accused of having “millions in tax debt.”
According to new legal documents obtained by TMZ, James filed the divorce paperwork last week in Puerto Rico.
Sources told the outlet that the new Bravo reality star was “blindsided” by the filing, adding that James does not currently live at the Orange County home they share together.
Meanwhile, it's been reported that Noella has filed for legal separation from her personal injury lawyer husband.
According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, Noella filed a petition in O.C. court on August 2. She lists the date of marriage as June 28, 2020. The date of separation is “to be determined.”
Noella says they only have one child a 2-year-old son named James. She says “irreconcilable differences” is the reason for the split. In court documents, the upcoming reality star is demanding the court award her primary legal and physical custody of their son.
She is asking for James to only have visitation. Noella wants her estranged husband to pay her monthly spousal support and for the court to terminate his ability to request any support from her.
The court document states, “To the exact nature of the separate property asset and debts are unknown to the Petitioner at this time. Petitioner reserves the right to amend her petition once it is discovered.” Noella also wants James to pay her legal fees in the case.
Noella also made it clear in her Instagram Bio that she and her estranged husband are not in the best place at the moment.
“Not so-Happy Housewife to Sweet James Sr, Junior, Coco & RiRi,” her bio states. “Based in OC.”
She added, “Enjoy long walks in SCP, strong women and repping POC.”
The news comes after the outlet reported that James owns millions in tax debt. According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, the injury lawyer owes to the State of California and the Internal Revenue Service.
Radar obtained a federal tax lien filed on June 3, 2021. The lien accuses James of owing taxes for the years 2018 and 2019. The document says he refused to pay $1,878,438 for 2018 and $2,166,680 for 2019.
In a separate tax lien filed on July 7, the State of California says James owes them $1,851,225.04 for 2018 and 2019. The grand total for his tax debt comes to $5,896,343.04.
According to Radar Online, the liens have yet to be released and the debt is active. The address listed on both liens is the address for his law firm.
Photo Credit: Courtesy via Noella Bergener/Instagram
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