Over a year and a half after the death of actress Shannen Doherty, her ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko, is disputing their divorce settlement, claiming the court lacks jurisdiction. Doherty, known for her roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed," passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 53, following a years-long battle with cancer.
The divorce between Doherty and Iswarienko was finalized just one day before her death. Doherty signed the divorce papers on July 12, 2024, with Iswarienko following suit on July 13, the same day Doherty died. The couple's divorce was initiated in April 2023, after 11 years of marriage, with Doherty's representative stating it was "the last thing Shannen wanted" but she felt she "was left with no other option". Doherty had reportedly discovered a two-year affair her husband had been having.
In November 2025, Doherty's estate filed a legal petition alleging that Iswarienko had not fulfilled certain "monetary obligations" outlined in the settlement. Christopher Cortazzo, the trustee of the Shannen Doherty Family Trust, brought the motion to compel Iswarienko to comply with the divorce settlement. The estate claimed Iswarienko had failed to list their shared $1.5 million home in Dripping Springs, Texas, by the agreed-upon deadline, withheld over $50,000 owed to the estate, and failed to return Doherty's personal belongings. The estate also alleges Iswarienko did not fully pay Doherty's share of her Mooney-20 airplane after the sale of an airplane hangar.
Iswarienko has now responded with a legal motion, claiming the settlement was brought in the wrong court and that the court lacks jurisdiction to enforce the terms. Iswarienko argues that the divorce case should have been terminated upon Doherty's death and that the settlement should not have been filed. He further contends that Cortazzo has not adequately demonstrated the authority to introduce the motion on behalf of the trust.
During the divorce proceedings, Doherty had accused Iswarienko of prolonging the divorce in hopes that she would die before he was required to pay spousal support. In June 2024, Doherty requested that Iswarienko be ordered to pay $15,434 per month in spousal support, retroactive to June 1, and $9,100 to cover her attorney fees and other costs. She stated she needed monetary support due to medical expenses and dwindling residual checks. Doherty claimed Iswarienko was spending money on travel and luxury items while claiming insufficient funds to support her.
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to attorneys for both Iswarienko and the Shannen Doherty Family Trust for comment. The legal battle is ongoing.
