Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are legally single and are no longer married to one another. Their high-profile divorce was finalized in November 2022 after several years of legal proceedings. While both individuals remain prominent in the public eye, they have moved forward with separate lives, assets, and domestic arrangements.
The dissolution of the marriage between Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (now legally known as Ye) marked the end of one of the most influential "power couples" in modern pop culture history. As of 2026, the two have been divorced for over three years, maintaining a co-parenting relationship for their four children while navigating vastly different personal and professional paths. To understand why they are no longer married and how their legal separation was structured, one must look at the timeline of their split and the specific terms of their judicial settlement.
The Timeline of the Kardashian-West Dissolution
The transition from a married couple to single individuals was not an overnight event. It involved a multi-stage legal process in the California court system. The process began formally in February 2021 when Kim Kardashian filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. This filing followed months of public speculation regarding the stability of their union, which had lasted seven years at the time of the initial paperwork.
In December 2021, Kardashian took a significant legal step by requesting to be declared "legally single" before the final details of the property and custody settlement were reached. This process, known as bifurcation, allows individuals to terminate their marital status while the court continues to resolve auxiliary issues like asset division. In March 2022, a judge granted this request. This specific date is crucial because it legally ended their status as husband and wife, allowing Kardashian to drop "West" from her surname and restoring both parties to the legal status of single persons.
The final judgment of dissolution was eventually entered in November 2022. This document served as the "finishing touch" on the legal separation, outlining exactly how the two would interact regarding their children and their vast financial portfolios. By the time 2026 arrived, the dust had long settled on these legal battles, leaving both parties firmly established in their post-marriage lives.
Key Terms of the 2022 Divorce Settlement
The settlement reached between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian was extensive, reflecting the complexity of their joint financial and familial interests. Because both parties entered the marriage with significant wealth and a comprehensive prenuptial agreement, the division of assets was relatively straightforward compared to the custody and support arrangements.
Child Custody and Co-Parenting
The most critical aspect of the settlement involved their four children: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. The agreement established "joint custody" with "equal access" to the children. However, sources close to the family and subsequent media reports have indicated that the children spend a significant majority of their time with Kardashian.
A unique clause in their 2022 settlement stipulated that if the parents ever have a dispute regarding the children, they are required to participate in mediation. If one party fails to participate in mediation, the other party becomes the sole decision-maker for that specific issue. This was designed to prevent the public social media outbursts that characterized the early stages of their separation.
Financial Support and Expenses
Despite both parties being billionaires or near-billionaires at the time of the split, the court mandated specific support payments:
- Child Support: Kanye West was ordered to pay Kim Kardashian $200,000 per month in child support. This amount is intended to cover his share of the children's expenses.
- Education and Security: The two agreed to split the costs of the children’s private security and private school tuition 50/50.
- Spousal Support: Both parties waived their right to spousal support, as dictated by their prenuptial agreement.
Property Division
The division of real estate was largely dictated by the prenuptial agreement. Kim Kardashian retained the primary family residence in Hidden Hills, California. This estate was famous for its minimalist design and had undergone years of renovations. Kardashian reportedly paid West a sum to buy out his interest in the home to ensure stability for the children. Conversely, West retained various properties, including his ranches in Wyoming and international holdings.
Kanye West’s Life and "Marriage" to Bianca Censori
Following the finalization of his divorce from Kim Kardashian, Kanye West’s personal life continued to draw headlines. In early 2023, reports surfaced that West had held a private wedding ceremony with Bianca Censori, an architectural designer for his brand, Yeezy.
As of 2026, the public and legal understanding of West’s relationship with Censori remains distinct from his previous marriage. While the couple has been seen together globally and Censori has taken on a prominent role in West’s life and business, the legal standing of their union was initially a point of contention among legal analysts.
Unlike his marriage to Kardashian, which was a high-profile, documented legal event in Italy, his union with Censori was conducted with a high degree of privacy. For the purposes of his status relative to Kardashian, however, the facts are clear: West is no longer legally bound to Kim, and any new relationship he enters does not impact his "not married" status regarding his ex-wife.
Kim Kardashian’s Status and Professional Evolution
Since the divorce, Kim Kardashian has pivoted her focus toward her legal studies, her multi-billion dollar shapewear brand (SKIMS), and her venture capital firm. Her status as a "single woman" became a central theme in her public narrative, emphasizing her independence and her role as a primary caregiver.
Kardashian’s dating life post-Kanye has been a subject of intense media scrutiny, including a high-profile relationship with comedian Pete Davidson and subsequent shorter-lived connections. However, Kardashian has not remarried. By 2026, she has established herself as a solo mogul, frequently stating in interviews that her priority remains her children and her burgeoning career in law and prison reform.
Comparison of Marital Status and Details
The following table summarizes the key differences between the "Kimye" era and the current status as of 2026.
| Feature | Marital Period (2014–2021) | Post-Divorce Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legally Married | Divorced / Legally Single |
| Primary Residence | Hidden Hills (Shared) | Hidden Hills (Kim) / Various (Kanye) |
| Last Name | Kardashian-West | Kardashian (Legally restored) |
| Child Support | N/A (Joint Household) | $200,000/month (Paid by Kanye) |
| Custody | Shared (Intact Family) | Joint (Equal Access) |
| Business Ties | Brand Collaborations | Independent Entities |
Why the "Not Married" Narrative Continues to Surface
Even though the divorce is a matter of public record, the phrase "Kanye and Kim are not married" remains a frequent search topic and point of discussion. This persistent interest stems from several factors:
- Publicity and Social Media: Both individuals are masters of media attention. Their occasional public appearances together—such as at their children’s basketball games or school events—sometimes lead to rumors of reconciliation among hopeful fans.
- Legacy of the Brand: "Kimye" was a massive cultural engine. The transition from that joint identity to two separate identities took years for the public to fully process.
- Legal Complexity: Because the divorce was "bifurcated" (meaning they were single before the money was settled), there was a period of about eight months where they were "not married" but still "in a divorce." This confusion often leads people to double-check their current status.
- Ye’s Unpredictability: Kanye West’s frequent changes in residence, business partnerships, and social circles often trigger questions about his legal ties and whether any old contracts or marital obligations still exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly did Kim and Kanye stop being married?
They officially became "legally single" on March 2, 2022, when a judge granted Kim Kardashian’s request for bifurcation. However, the entire divorce process was not fully completed until the final settlement was signed on November 29, 2022. From a legal standpoint, their marriage ended in March 2022.
Does Kanye West still pay child support in 2026?
Yes, according to the terms of the 2022 settlement, Kanye West is obligated to pay $200,000 a month in child support. These payments are scheduled to continue as long as the children are minors. Given the ages of North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm, these obligations remain in full effect in 2026.
Did Kim Kardashian keep her married name?
No. As part of the legal proceedings in 2022, Kim Kardashian requested and was granted a name change to restore her maiden name. While she used "Kardashian-West" for several years during the marriage, she has since dropped "West" from her legal name and professional branding.
Are Kanye West and Bianca Censori legally married?
While Kanye West and Bianca Censori held a private ceremony in early 2023 and have presented themselves as a married couple, there was initial speculation regarding whether a marriage license was filed. By 2026, they are widely recognized as a domestic unit, but their legal status does not change the fact that Kanye’s marriage to Kim Kardashian is entirely dissolved.
Who has custody of the children in 2026?
They share joint custody. This means both parents have a say in major decisions regarding the children's health, education, and welfare. In practice, the children live primarily with Kim Kardashian, but the legal agreement ensures Kanye West has "equal access" to them for holidays and scheduled visits.
Why did Kim Kardashian file for divorce?
The official reason cited in court documents was "irreconcilable differences." In various interviews and on her reality show, Kardashian suggested that the split was due to a realization that they had different paths in life and that she wanted someone who could share the "small wins" and daily life with her more consistently.
Final Status Verification
If you are seeking to verify the current relationship between these two public figures, the most accurate conclusion is that they are independent individuals linked only by their children and their past history. There are no active marital bonds, and both are legally free to marry other people. For those following their journey, the focus has shifted from their relationship status to their individual contributions to fashion, music, law, and business.
Image Gallery
Select an image to open it in a new tab.
Vivian Cho
Executive IT and Emerging Technologies Reporter
