Family Matters Actor Bryton James Officially Divorced After Brief Marriage
Bryton James, the actor best known for his role as Richie Crawford on the beloved 1990s sitcom Family Matters, is now officially divorced. The 39-year-old star filed for divorce from his wife, professional dancer Jahaira James, in October 2025, bringing an end to their seven-month marriage.
Divorce Finalized with Spousal Support Dispute
According to reports from TMZ, the divorce judgment was entered on March 24, with the marital status terminated as of Sunday. Notably, neither party was ordered to provide spousal support as part of the initial split. However, Jahaira has formally requested the court to revisit this decision, citing her unpredictable income as a dancer.
In legal documents obtained by the outlet, Jahaira outlined that her profession relies heavily on live performances, rehearsals, touring gigs, and short-term contracts. She claimed she lacks a salaried position that would allow her to maintain the lifestyle established during the marriage. Conversely, James reportedly earns approximately $34,000 per month, according to filings from his ex-wife.
Background of the Marriage and Split
The couple, who tied the knot in March 2025 in Lakewood, California, separated just three months later in June. They do not have any children together. When James filed for divorce last fall, he cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. Additionally, he requested that the court terminate its ability to grant spousal support to either party and asked for Jahaira to revert to using her maiden name post-divorce.
Bryton James, who performed under the stage name Bryton McClure during his early career, appeared in 143 episodes of Family Matters from 1990 to 1997. He has since gained widespread recognition for his long-running role as Devon Hamilton on the soap opera The Young and the Restless, a part he has played for over three decades.
Previous Relationships and Public Declarations
Before marrying Jahaira, James was previously married to Ashley Leisinger. Their wedding took place on March 16, 2011, with his The Young and the Restless co-star Christian LeBlanc presiding over the ceremony. The marriage ended in February 2014. James also dated his co-star Brytni Sarpy prior to his relationship with Jahaira.
Less than a year ago, James took to Instagram to publicly praise his then-wife Jahaira, according to Swoon. In a since-deleted post, he described her as the culmination of a lifetime of work, discipline, dedication, strength, bravery, and belief, adding that her journey was inspirational. Jahaira responded gratefully, calling their shared life and stage the greatest gift. These affectionate declarations contrast sharply with the current legal proceedings, highlighting the rapid dissolution of their union.
