Former Bachelorette star DeAnna Pappas has had her ex-husband’s child support obligations reduced to zero, Us Weekly has exclusively learned. The decision comes after Stephen Stagliano, her former spouse, revealed financial difficulties and his current employment as an Uber driver.

During a court appearance on Monday, October 20, at the Superior Court of Los Angeles, both Pappas, 43, and Stagliano, 41, along with their legal representatives, presented their cases. The court ultimately decided to relieve Stagliano of his child support payments, applying the change retroactively from May.

Previously, Stagliano was ordered to pay $1,000 each month in child support and an additional $1,500 monthly in spousal support, according to the terms of their March 2024 divorce settlement.

Court documents reveal that Stagliano was the CEO and founder of Story Games Inc., a gaming company that failed to secure further funding, leading to his unemployment as of April 1.

In his statement to the court on September 30, Stagliano expressed his ongoing job search efforts, having applied to over 150 positions across multiple fields without success. “I am actively looking for a job,” he stated, adding that he continues to drive for Uber to earn income when possible and has consistently paid $1,500 in monthly alimony to Pappas.

In her filing, Stagliano said he earned $436 last month. He said he had $10,089 in the bank but his monthly expenses totaled $7,437. He said he spends $4,300 on rent, $550 on groceries, $100 on eating out, $450 on utilities and various other bills. In addition, he listed over $36,000 in debt owed on a car and two credit cards.

DeAnna Pappas can’t wait to see what Taylor Frankie Paul’s experience as the Bachelorette will be like. “I’m a little curious about how it’s going to go with the merging of the two shows because The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is very different from The Bachelorette,” DeAnna, 43, exclusively shared with Us Weekly as […]

In an April 14 filing, Stagliano told the court, “My financial situation has changed drastically. I am looking for work.”

Stagliano said when he agreed to pay Pappas $1,000 per month in support, he was working as a manager at Riot Games, earning $12,750 per month and $175,000 per year, with bonuses, before taxes. He said that after he left Riot Games to start his own company in 2023, his income dropped to around $150,000 per year.

“The business I attempted to start was a gaming entertainment studio. I invested significant time and personal resources into this venture. While I made some progress — including building a full-time team, building a prototype, attracting additional early investment interest and launching an audio book — the business did not generate sustainable income due to the gaming market conditions and lack of funding.”

He said he made $24,000 in total income in 2024. At the time, Stagliano explained, “I have had two interviews so far and no offers. I am actively networking with industry peers and potential clients and updating my portfolio and resume and tailoring it to roles in gaming, education, sports and entertainment. I am exploring both full-time and contract work opportunities, including coaching soccer and jiu-jitsu just to earn any income i can.”

Bachelorette alum DeAnna Pappas’ broke her silence on her bitter court battle with ex-husband Stephen Stagliano after a judge granted her plea over custody, Us Weekly can exclusively report. According to court documents obtained by Us, Pappas, 43, and Stagliano, 41, faced off in court on June 25 for a hearing on her plea to reinstate […]

“Despite these efforts, I have not secured a stable or sufficient source of income, which is why I am requesting a modification of child support to reflect my current financial situation,” Stagliano wrote. Pappas opposed her ex’s request to lower his support.

In court docs filed by Pappas, she said she was earning over $16,000 per month but lost her job as a flight attendant for a California-based company in June.

Pappas continues to seek work as a flight attendant as she works on the new podcast she launched.