If you’ve watched The Real Housewives of Orange County since 2018, you know that Gina Kirschenheiter’s life has been a literal roller coaster. But the biggest loop-de-loop? Her relationship with her ex-husband, Matt Kirschenheiter. For a long time, he was this mysterious figure who wasn't allowed to film because of his high-stakes finance job. Then, he became the center of a headline-grabbing legal drama that honestly changed the trajectory of Gina’s life.
Fast forward to January 2026, and the dust has finally settled. Gina is newly engaged to Travis Mullen—sporting a massive 6-carat diamond, by the way—and the dynamic with Matt is... surprisingly peaceful? It’s a far cry from the restraining orders and police reports that dominated their split.
Who exactly is Matt Kirschenheiter?
Before the cameras and the courtroom, Matt and Gina were college sweethearts. They met at Hofstra University on Long Island. He was the finance guy; she was the psychology major. They were together for 11 years and married for eight before things started to crumble.
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Matt built a serious career in investment banking. He worked at places like Merrill Lynch and Allianz before landing a VP role at PIMCO. We’re talking about a guy who was reportedly pulling in over $420,000 a year back in 2019. That’s the kind of money that buys a house in Coto de Caza. But the job also meant he lived in Los Angeles during the week while Gina raised their three kids in the OC.
The distance was a killer. Gina famously said they "grew apart," but there was more under the surface. It wasn't just about the commute.
The split that shocked the OC
The divorce started out "amicable." That's the word everyone uses until it isn't. In April 2018, they filed for divorce, claiming they were just different people than they were at 23. But then came the bombshell: Matt had an affair. Gina dropped that nugget during Season 14, and it basically explained why the "best friends" narrative felt a little forced.
They actually tried to reconcile in early 2019. It didn't work.
Things took a dark turn in June 2019. After a night out, an argument at Gina’s house escalated into a terrifying situation. According to court documents, Matt allegedly choked and hit Gina, even dragging her back into the house when she tried to run to a neighbor’s for help. It’s heavy stuff. He was arrested and eventually pled guilty to domestic battery and false imprisonment.
"I at least want him to have to hear how I felt about that night because it is literally the most significant event that's ever happened to me in my entire life," Gina said during her victim impact statement.
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That incident cost Matt his job. PIMCO "parted ways" with him after the arrest made national news. He later claimed in court that he couldn't pay the $10,000 monthly support because the "tabloid publicity" made it impossible to find a new job in finance.
The 2026 update: Where is Gina Kirschenheiter ex-husband now?
Believe it or not, 2026 has brought some serious healing. It took years of therapy and awkward court dates, but Gina and Matt have reached a place they call "just parenting."
Matt has since remarried a woman named Britt Birdy. Gina has been vocal about how much she likes Britt, even saying she’s "good for him." It’s a weirdly mature "modern family" situation. They share three kids:
- Nicholas: Now 13 and heading into those tough teen years.
- Sienna: 11 years old and the one who recently celebrated a birthday with both parents present.
- Luca: The youngest at 10.
Earlier in 2025, the family had a massive scare when Matt suffered a heart attack at just 40 years old. Gina was the one to break the news on Instagram, asking for prayers and confirming he was okay. It really highlighted how much they’ve moved past the vitriol. When someone almost dies, the old arguments about who cheated or who paid support suddenly feel very small.
Navigating the "Blended" life
Today, Gina lives in a separate home from her fiancé, Travis, which was a big storyline recently. They have six kids between them—three from her, three from him. While Gina’s co-parenting with Matt is "beautiful" (her words!), Travis’s situation with his ex-wife has been much more high-conflict.
It’s a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all for divorce. Gina and Matt chose to put the kids first, even after a domestic violence conviction. That’s not easy. It’s actually incredibly rare in the world of reality TV.
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Actionable insights for co-parenting through conflict:
- Prioritize Safety First: Gina’s use of a restraining order and the legal system was a necessary step for her protection. Never compromise on safety for the sake of "appearing" amicable.
- The "Parenting" vs. "Co-parenting" Mindset: Treat the other person as a fellow parent rather than an "ex." This shifts the focus from your past relationship to the kids' future.
- Embrace the New Partner: If the ex’s new spouse is good to your children, lean into that. More people loving your kids is never a bad thing.
- Keep it Private: Matt stayed off-screen for years. Reducing the "audience" for your drama often helps de-escalate the tension.
The story of Matt and Gina is a wild one. It went from college sweethearts to a felony arrest to a stable, blended family. It’s proof that even the messiest endings can eventually lead to a functional new beginning.