The Valley stars Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei have officially settled their divorce, reaching an out-of-court agreement on finances and the crucial co-parenting of their 5-year-old daughter, Isabella, marking a significant step towards a new chapter after their separation and on-screen drama.
After a relationship that began in 2016 and eventually became a focal point on Bravo’s hit reality series The Valley, Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei have officially finalized their divorce. The couple reached an out-of-court agreement that addresses crucial aspects of their separation, including finances and the custody of their young daughter, Isabella, ensuring a structured path forward for their family.
An Out-of-Court Resolution for the Reality Stars
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Jesse Lally, 45, and Michelle Saniei, 36, filed a declaration for an uncontested dissolution of marriage, confirming they had established their own terms for the divorce. This significant step means the couple was able to resolve their differences outside of court, outlining their agreement on various aspects of their separation.
The settlement encompasses matters relating to their property and marital rights, including spousal support, attorney’s fees, and most importantly, the child support and custody arrangements for their 5-year-old daughter, Isabella. While the specific financial details have not been made public, sources indicate that both parties agreed to decline spousal support and found common ground regarding child support for Isabella. The divorce will become official once a judge signs off on their agreement, a procedural final step.
Speaking on the settlement, Jesse Lally shared with Us Weekly, “Michelle and I have taken the last step towards finalizing our divorce. We’re moving forward with mutual respect for each other and focusing on making memories with Isabella.” Michelle Saniei echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m grateful we reached an agreement and we can both start a new chapter in our lives. Our number one priority has always been Isabella and we’ll continue to coparent to be the best parents for her.”
The Journey to Separation: A Relationship Documented on ‘The Valley’
The couple’s relationship began in 2016, leading to an engagement in Paris in November 2017 and a wedding in Napa Valley, California, in October 2018. Their daughter, Isabella, was welcomed in April 2020. Their journey, including the struggles in their marriage, became a central narrative on Bravo’s The Valley, which premiered in March 2024, just days before they announced their decision to end their marriage.
Michelle Saniei filed for divorce in March 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The official date of separation listed in the filing was October 16, 2023. This timeline was further illuminated by Jesse Lally on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where he revealed that the decision was made “literally two days after our five-year anniversary, mid-October,” following a trip to Montecito.
For Jesse, the separation came as a surprise. He expressed on Watch What Happens Live that he believed their marriage was in an “amazing” place during the summer of 2023 when The Valley Season 1 was being filmed. He was taken aback watching the season back, realizing how close Michelle was to ending their union, recalling moments that brought tears to his eyes as he saw her feeling “done and checked out.” The couple also discussed how the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and raising Isabella without external support significantly impacted their marriage.
Moving On: New Relationships and Lingering Questions
Since their split, both Jesse and Michelle have moved forward in their personal lives. Jesse Lally is currently dating philanthropist Lacy Nicole. Michelle Saniei was in a relationship with Aaron Nosler for one year, though they broke up in July. Nosler was featured in several episodes of The Valley’s second season, sparking considerable on-screen drama and fan speculation.
During the show, a tense conversation unfolded where Jesse questioned Nosler about crossing a line while he was still married to Michelle. While Nosler and Saniei both denied any affair, Jesse voiced his strong suspicions in a confessional. “I 1,000 percent think [Saniei and Nosler] had a physical and emotional relationship before we separated,” he stated, questioning, “How else do you explain having a boyfriend two weeks after being separated while still living in my house?” This storyline contributed significantly to the fan discussions surrounding their split.
Prioritizing Isabella: The Path to Healthy Co-Parenting
Despite the past tensions and on-screen drama, both Jesse and Michelle have publicly committed to fostering a healthy co-parenting relationship for their daughter, Isabella. In The Valley’s Season 2 finale, which aired on July 22, Saniei and Lally ultimately decided to set their differences aside, with Michelle choosing to “give [Lally] the benefit of the doubt.”
This commitment is paramount to them, as Jesse noted on Watch What Happens Live, “I’m so proud of the fact that she’s handling everything that is happening so well. That was the biggest thing for me.” Their dedication extends beyond their personal lives, as they continue to collaborate professionally in real estate, sharing past and present clients.
With the divorce settled, Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei are now fully focused on providing a stable and loving environment for Isabella, moving forward with mutual respect as they embark on separate new chapters.
