The legal aftermath of Shannen Doherty's passing has taken a contentious turn, as her ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko, has mounted a formal challenge to their divorce settlement more than a year after the actress's death.
Legal Challenge Filed in Los Angeles Court
According to court documents obtained by People magazine, Iswarienko's attorney filed a motion in Los Angeles Superior Court on January 14, 2026. This legal action comes nearly two months after the trustee of Doherty's estate accused Iswarienko of failing to meet several financial obligations outlined in their divorce agreement.
The core of Iswarienko's argument hinges on a technicality. He alleges that the divorce settlement was brought in the wrong court, and therefore, that court lacks the jurisdiction to enforce the terms. The settlement was signed by Doherty on July 12, 2024, and by Iswarienko on July 13, 2024—the very same day the Beverly Hills, 90210 star died following a long battle with cancer.
Unresolved Financial Obligations and Property Disputes
The dispute stems from a filing made by Doherty's estate on November 24. The estate, represented by trustee Christopher Cortazzo, claimed Iswarienko had not fulfilled key parts of the settlement. The alleged unmet obligations include:
- Selling a Texas home: Iswarienko was reportedly required to sell Doherty's $1.5 million property in Texas and split the net proceeds equally with her estate. The filing states he "has refused to list" the home for sale.
- Buying out an airplane share: He was to purchase Doherty's share of a Mooney M-20 airplane for $100,000 and pay the estate within five business days of the sale. After selling the plane in August 2024, he allegedly "unilaterally withheld $50,274" from the payment.
- Returning personal property: The estate also claims Iswarienko refused to return Doherty's personal items, including photographs of her, as stipulated in the agreement.
In his recent motion, Iswarienko counters that Cortazzo "failed to show he has authority under the trust" to demand compliance with the settlement.
Background of the Split and Doherty's Heartbreak
Doherty initially filed for divorce from Iswarienko in 2023, ending an 11-year marriage. Her representative stated at the time that "divorce is the last thing Shannen wanted" but she felt she had no other choice.
The actress later publicly accused Iswarienko of infidelity, a revelation that came shortly before she underwent brain surgery. On her podcast in 2023, Doherty expressed profound hurt, saying she could not have him accompany her to the surgery because she felt "so betrayed." She added, "I just felt so incredibly unloved by someone I was with for 14 years, by someone I loved with all my heart."
The legal proceedings continue, highlighting the complex and often painful issues that can persist in estate and divorce matters long after a loved one's passing.
