Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright Reach Custody Deal With Alcohol And Drug Restrictions Amid Divorce

Things are looking a bit brighter for Jax Taylor, considering the former "Vanderpump Rules" and "House of Villains" reality star has reportedly reached a custody deal with his soon-to-be ex-wife, Brittany Cartwright. Taylor and Cartwright have been at odds since 2025, when the pair's marital woes were center stage on season 2 of "The Valley."

According to TMZ, the Bravo veterans reportedly reached a custody deal involving their only child, Cruz. The legal documents state that neither parent will provide the other with child support.

Additionally, the former couple agreed to share custody and responsibility regarding Cruz's health decisions, education, and overall well-being. Cartwright, however, has the authority to make final health decisions for Cruz if she and Taylor are unable to reach an agreement.

Cartwright and Taylor are set to split their time with Cruz. There are also other restrictions in place, including a set holiday schedule and a 6-month waiting period to introduce new partners. The legal documents also state that neither reality star will be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other illegal drugs while with Cruz.

Before reaching their custody agreement, Cartwright was adamant that restrictions be in place. According to The Blast, Taylor previously admitted to struggling with addiction to cocaine for two decades.

"I have substance issues—primarily with cocaine. It's hard to say out loud," Taylor said, adding he was using "since I was 23 and now I'm 45."

"I've never said this in my life," he said. "So, to come out and say that I have an addiction [and] that I have a sickness that I have to work on the rest of my life is a really big deal for me."

Taylor admitted in a separate interview, according to The Blast, that his son was part of the reason he decided to get candid about his struggles.

"It was very tough to come out, but it was something that I needed to do," Taylor said. "It was a weight lifted off my shoulders. I just needed to do it for myself, and I needed to do it for my son."

"I want my son one day to be like, 'My dad....there was something wrong with him, and he fixed himself; this is why he's here today," he added.

In the summer of 2025, Taylor admitted he'd become a changed man, vowing never to touch alcohol or drugs again.

"I know for a fact — and I know you're not supposed to say it — but I know for a fact I will not touch drugs and alcohol again," Taylor said. "I know that. I have no interest in it. I'm not triggered by it. "

Taylor revealed that AA classes helped give him a new outlook on life.

"I love it. It's like a drug to me," the reality TV star continued. "I love going and meeting the guys. My sober friends, I've shifted from my drunk friends; now I have a sober group of friends. We have a great time. We go out to dinner."

Before season 2 of "The Valley" aired on Bravo, Cartwright opened up about her son's autism diagnosis, calling the news "difficult" to process. "It can be difficult because I've never heard him say, 'I love you,' but he is so loving, and he shows me he loves me every single day," she said. "He is such a mommy's boy."

While Cartwright admitted she was still learning more about autism following Cruz's diagnosis, she vowed to use her platform to help educate others.

"What I really want people to understand about autism is he sees the world so much more vibrant and amazing than any of us ever will. It doesn't mean that he's not going to be the smartest in his class. It doesn't mean he is not going to work for NASA one day. There aren't any limitations to what he can do," she added.

Bravo viewers will learn more about Cartwright, Taylor, and Cruz when season 3 of "The Valley" returns to the network in April 2026.

Other familiar faces will be back on the screen this time around, too, including "Vanderpump Rules" alum Tom Schwartz and Lala Kent, according to The Blast.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.