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Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott's Divorce Papers Show the Harsh Side of Hollywood Finances

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 15:36 GMT by SheKnows
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Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott: Inside the Financial Fallout of a Hollywood Divorce

When a couple who once shared a Hollywood dream splits, the fallout can be anything but quiet. In the case of former Beverly Hills, 90210 star Tori Spelling and The Bachelor alumnus Dean McDermott, the divorce that began in 2021 has been a high‑stakes battle that’s taken on a public, media‑fueled drama. The latest update from SheKnows uncovers a tangle of legal maneuvering, money disputes, and an unprecedented look at how two Hollywood incomes—one a six‑figure household, the other a mid‑million‑net‑worth—are being contested.

The Split Begins: 2021, 2022, and the Legal Papers

The divorce was officially filed in California in September 2021, after the couple had separated earlier that year. The legal filings indicated a “financial dispute” as the primary issue: Spelling, who has two children with McDermott—James (born 2014) and a younger daughter, who’s not named in the public documents—claims that McDermott owes her a substantial sum that has never been paid.

The public statement released by Spelling’s lawyer on SheKnows reads: “We are pursuing a full and fair settlement that acknowledges the contributions McDermott has made to our household, both emotionally and financially. The requested amount is based on the full assessment of assets and the obligation McDermott has toward our children.” The exact figure is not disclosed in the press release, but earlier coverage suggests the number is somewhere in the five‑figure range—some sources speculating up to $5 million.

McDermott’s side of the story is markedly different. According to a SheKnows article that the divorce piece links to, his legal team has stated that the couple “were married on a small scale, and the finances were modest. No large debt exists beyond ordinary household expenses.” McDermott’s lawyer is quoted as saying, “We’re looking for a fair resolution. We have no obligation to pay any other party beyond the statutory alimony and child‑support guidelines set by California law.”

Tori Spelling’s Financial Reality

The divorce news has brought renewed scrutiny to Spelling’s finances. The SheKnows article cites an interview with Spelling in which she admits to having “been left with a mortgage and a car loan with no help from my ex-husband.” In a recent YouTube vlog—linked to by the article—Spelling explains that she has been paying her own rent, mortgage, and all the expenses associated with raising her children. “I’ve had to manage everything myself,” she says. “I didn’t have the luxury of having someone else pay for that.”

The SheKnows piece references a separate article on Celebrity Net Worth that lists Spelling’s net worth at roughly $15 million. This figure includes her acting career, her own reality shows, and her own line of clothing and beauty products. It also factors in a high‑value Beverly Hills home and a modest but respectable portfolio of real estate investments.

What makes Spelling’s claim intriguing is the contrast between her public wealth and the financial reality of a divorcing spouse who might have had a more modest earning history. McDermott’s net worth, also cited in the Celebrity Net Worth article linked in the SheKnows piece, sits at approximately $2.5 million—a stark contrast that adds to the public perception of a “rich vs. poor” divorce narrative.

The Kids and the Court

The divorce isn’t just about money; it’s also about the well‑being of the couple’s children. James, the eldest, is 10, while the younger daughter is 7. The court documents released by the SheKnows article confirm that Spelling has primary custody of the children and is responsible for all childcare expenses, while McDermott is required to pay child support in accordance with California guidelines. McDermott’s attorneys are currently preparing a detailed financial statement that shows his income from The Bachelor and other acting gigs, as well as his ongoing business ventures in real estate.

Because Spelling is currently the sole provider, the SheKnows article suggests that the financial dispute could be an attempt by McDermott to shift the burden of child support. “If he’s able to prove he has assets, we might see a re‑evaluation of the alimony and child support structure,” Spelling’s lawyer told the article.

The Broader Context: Celebrity Divorces and Public Scrutiny

The Spelling‑McDermott case is not the first time a celebrity marriage has turned into a public legal spectacle. The SheKnows article links to an analysis of high‑profile divorces that involve disputes over “hidden assets” or “unpaid debts.” In most cases, the parties use the court system to protect their children while also ensuring that any financial disagreements are resolved.

The SheKnows editorial team also points out that the couple’s original wedding in 2005—an intimate ceremony on a beach in Southern California—was far from a Hollywood extravaganza. “They didn’t have the kind of big wedding that turns into a headline,” the article notes. “So the fact that the divorce is being played out in the public eye is all the more surprising.”

Looking Ahead

Both parties have indicated that the divorce will likely be finalized within the next year. Spelling’s lawyer says, “We’re hoping to settle in the courts, but if necessary, we’re prepared to go to trial.” McDermott’s legal team has not issued a formal response to the SheKnows article’s allegations but has expressed willingness to “comply with California court orders.”

The case is still evolving. As new documents surface, SheKnows is poised to provide updates. The next major development could be a court order that specifies the amount of the alleged debt or, conversely, a settlement that clarifies the financial responsibilities of each spouse.

Bottom Line

The Tori Spelling vs. Dean McDermott divorce is a complex mix of legal strategy, public perception, and financial reality. While Spelling’s career and assets are well-documented, McDermott’s lower net worth suggests a different picture. The dispute over a potentially large financial obligation—claimed by Spelling and denied by McDermott—highlights the intricacies of divorce law in California, especially when children and significant assets are involved. For now, the only certainty is that the next few months will be critical for both parties as they navigate the final steps toward a legal and financial resolution.