Nearly two months after publicly announcing their separation, actress Leah Remini and her husband Angelo Pagán have officially settled their divorce. The uncontested agreement, signed by a judge on October 11, 2024, brings to a close the end of a marriage that spanned 21 years and a relationship that endured for nearly three decades. While neither party has disclosed every detail of the settlement, court documents and conversations with sources familiar with the matter paint a picture of an amicable process focused on clarity, cooperation, and the well-being of their daughter.

A Swift Path from Announcement to Settlement

On August 29, 2024, Remini, 54, and Pagán, 57, posted a joint Instagram statement revealing their decision to end their marriage. They explained that after 28 years together—seven years of dating followed by 21 years of marriage—they had “grown into different people” and recognized that their roles no longer fit their evolving identities. Within two days of that announcement, Pagán filed a petition for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

From the outset, both Remini and Pagán emphasized they would pursue an uncontested divorce, meaning they would forgo prolonged litigation and instead negotiate terms privately through mediation. According to court filings, both parties requested the court deny spousal support, signaling their intention to remain financially independent. They also agreed to keep the specifics of their settlement confidential, sealing the written agreement and preserving privacy over assets, property division, and any potential alimony discussions.

By October 11, 2024—just 42 days after the split became public—a judge approved their divorce stipulation. Under California law, couples filing uncontested divorces must exchange financial disclosures, negotiate settlement terms, and present a written agreement for judicial approval. Remini and Pagán’s swift completion of these steps suggests a level of pre-negotiation and trust uncommon in celebrity separations.

Terms of the Settlement: What Is Known

Official court documents remain largely redacted, but several key points have emerged through reporting and legal experts familiar with standard practices:

  • Custody and Parenting: The couple shares one daughter, Sofia, born in 2004. According to sources, Remini and Pagán agreed to joint legal custody and a primary residence for Sofia with Remini. Pagán retains generous visitation rights. Both parents pledged to maintain a respectful co-parenting relationship—a priority they had emphasized since announcing the split.

  • Property and Assets: The marital estate includes their shared residence in Los Angeles, Pagán’s restaurant ventures, Remini’s production company, and various retirement accounts. While several media outlets speculated on how assets might be divided, the settlement details remain private. Insiders say both parties agreed to “equitable distribution” without major disputes over real estate or cash holdings.

  • Spousal Support and Financial Independence: In line with their initial filing, both Remini and Pagán waived spousal support. Both had separate income streams—Remini from acting projects, book deals, and her high-profile advocacy against Scientology; and Pagán from acting roles, music endeavors, and restaurant ownership. Their decision to forego alimony reflects a mutual confidence in maintaining financial independence.

  • Confidentiality: A sealed stipulation prohibits public disclosure of the divorce’s finer points: the appraised value of real estate, business interests, and any lump-sum payments exchanged. This level of privacy is common in high-profile cases, shielding both from scrutiny and potential speculation over who fared better financially.

While many celebrity divorces are marked by leaked documents and protracted litigation, Remini and Pagán’s partnership from the outset was characterized by a desire to “do a clean slate,” as Remini phrased it. By keeping the settlement private and divorcing through mediation, they distanced themselves from tabloid fodder and presented a united front to protect their family’s well-being.

Reflections on a 21-Year Partnership

To understand the significance of this settlement, it helps to revisit the arc of Remini and Pagán’s relationship. They first met in 1996 at El Floridita, a Cuban restaurant in Los Angeles where Pagán performed as a salsa singer. At the time, Remini was ascending to sitcom stardom—she would soon debut as Carrie Heffernan on The King of Queens. Pagán’s artistic background complemented Remini’s on-screen persona, and they married in 2003.

In 2013, both departed from the Church of Scientology after decades of membership. Remini’s public denunciation of the church became a cornerstone of her career, transforming her into a leading critic and activist. Pagán left the faith alongside Remini, and the shared experience initially reinforced their bond. Yet, as Remini has since explained, leaving Scientology reshaped her sense of self inside and outside their marriage. She told Us Weekly that the realigned priorities and personal growth she experienced thereafter played a crucial role in revealing how their lifelong “roles” no longer aligned.

By August 2024, the couple had recognized that “playing roles” without updating them to match their evolved needs was untenable. Their announcement emphasized that while their relationship had transitioned, their love and respect had not diminished. They wrote: “Our bond is still strong—it’s just evolved into something different.”

Why the Speed and Civility Matter

In an era when celebrity divorces often devolve into public brawls and drawn-out courtroom dramas, Remini and Pagán’s approach stands out. Their quick settlement—almost unheard of for public figures—reflects both parties’ commitment to avoiding a prolonged legal battle.

Legal analysts note that uncontested divorces reduce emotional stress on children and preserve resources that might otherwise be drained by legal fees. By completing mediation in under six weeks, Remini and Pagán minimized media scrutiny and sidestepped the narrative of a bitter divorce. For fans and observers, the message was clear: a split can be handled cooperatively rather than combatively.

This approach also underscores shifting norms among high-profile couples. Co-parenting and confidentiality are no longer rare. A growing number of celebrities are recognizing that the costs of public litigation—both emotional and financial—often outweigh the benefits of “winning” a divorce battle.

What Comes Next for Remini and Pagán

Now that the settlement is official, both Remini and Pagán will embark on new chapters—personally, professionally, and as co-parents. Remini has stated she does not intend to seek a new romantic relationship anytime soon, affirming that daughter Sofia has decreed “Mom and Dad are not allowed to date.” She remains focused on her advocacy work, including continuing her award-winning documentary series exposing the inner workings of the Church of Scientology, and exploring new acting roles and production opportunities.

Pagán, for his part, will balance his ongoing appearances—most recently in Bosch: Legacy—with his restaurant business. He has three sons from a prior relationship and will continue blending his family life with Sofia’s upbringing. Friends believe Pagán may return to music projects, drawing on his salsa roots, while also exploring behind-the-scenes opportunities in television production.

For Sofia, who turned 20 in April 2024, the divorce marks a pivotal transition: from teenager sharing custody to a young adult straddling two households. Both parents have expressed their commitment to shielding her from conflict, underscoring their shared focus on her well-being above all else.

A Model of Amicable Separation

Leah Remini and Angelo Pagán’s settlement stands as a testament to the possibility of an amicable split—even after decades of marriage and the pressures of public life. Far from a narrative of mutual betrayal or financial warfare, their divorce highlights the power of mutual respect, clear communication, and prioritizing family harmony. As each moves forward, they leave behind a blueprint: that two people can part ways without scorched-earth tactics, proving that civil separation is, indeed, possible—no matter how long or high-profile the marriage.