Former Bachelorette star DeAnna Pappas secured a major win in her bitter divorce war after a Los Angeles judge ordered her ex-husband to pay nearly $140,000 in back payments and legal fees. The ruling marks the latest chapter in a contentious financial battle between Pappas and Stephen Stagliano, who wed in 2011 and split in 2023.
The judge ordered Stagliano to pay Pappas $109,000 she claimed was owed from his retirement account, money she had an interest in under their divorce settlement. The court also awarded her $27,240 in legal fees, bringing the total judgment to over $136,000.
The case has been defined by financial hardship on both sides. Stagliano admitted he owed the money but denied any malicious intent, claiming he withdrew funds for living expenses and business costs after losing his job in the gaming industry. He has since taken work as an Uber driver to make ends meet.
Pappas, who now works as a flight attendant earning approximately $2,618 per month, has also claimed financial distress after losing her previous job. She accused Stagliano of withholding the retirement funds she was entitled to, arguing the debt was crippling her ability to support their two minor children.
The court established a payment plan requiring Stagliano to pay $500 per month toward the owed amount. If he misses a single payment, the full balance becomes due immediately.
The exes also continue to navigate custody arrangements for their two children, with court-ordered Soberlink testing for Pappas and ongoing support modification hearings. For now, the former Bachelorette has secured a hard-fought financial victory in a divorce that has dragged through the courts for years.
