RHOC’s Braunwyn Windham-Burke claims ex Sean is “having a hard time” with the “reality” of divorce and still won’t hire a lawyer

BRAUNWYN Windham-Burke has claimed in an exclusive interview with The US Sun that her ex Sean is struggling with the divorce and still won’t hire a lawyer.

The Real Housewives of Orange County alumni filed for divorce in October 2022 after nearly 23 years of marriage.

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The former couple recently reunited on February 4 to celebrate their daughter Hazel’s fifth birthday at a party hosted by Braunwyn’s friend Jennifer Spinner.

Despite “making it work” and putting their kids first, their divorce has been an ongoing struggle behind the scenes.

Braunwyn, 45, shared an update on her divorce proceedings.

“You know, it’s very frustrating. I think when you start getting a divorce you don’t realize how long the process takes,” the TV personality said in a new interview with The US Sun.

“Sean has a harder time with this inevitability. I think he likes the status quo the way things are.”

She continued, “He just hasn’t hired a lawyer or done the paperwork yet.

“We’ve been together for 28 years now and it’s comforting that while we’re not romantically together we’re still a family and I think it’s hard for him to imagine losing that.

“He kind of didn’t want to deal with the reality of what’s actually happening.”

The Bravo star added, “I hope over time he can see, ‘It’s going to be fine. Just because we’re not married doesn’t mean we’re not family.’”

Braunwyn and Sean, 49, split in July 2021, a year after the sobriety and recovery advocate came out as a lesbian.

Together they share seven children: Bella, 22; mountain ash, 20; Jacob, 17; twins Caden and Curren, 9; koa, 8; and youngest Hazel.

DIVORCE UPDATE

Last month, the co-parents attended a court-ordered arbitration hearing and were due to have a hearing in late January, but it was pushed back to April.

Braunwyn revealed details about the mediation session that is typically part of California divorces.

“To be honest, I didn’t get the point. So the mediation lasted about 10 minutes – ‘Are you all in agreement?’ We’re like ‘no.’ They’re like, ‘Okay, next,'” Braunwyn explained.

“So I was like, ‘Okay. Well, that was neat.’ … But we said to each other, ‘Yes, we’re here, but obviously we need to sort out some things.'”

The mother-of-seven went on to explain that the exes didn’t go to couples therapy aside from the mediation appointment.

“I’m in therapy alone. I asked for it [couples therapy] a few times, but it’s just, I don’t know, something Sean isn’t comfortable with right now,” Braunwyn said.

The US Sun previously broke the story of Braunwyn, who is suing for $10,000 a month in spousal support, claiming that Sean had become “increasingly aggressive” towards her in court documents filed in December.

In an income and expense statement obtained by The US Sun, Braunwyn admitted to having only $2,900 in cash and checking and savings accounts at the time.

The RHOC star opened up about her financial plight, particularly after she was reportedly fired from Real Housewives after two seasons (she was part of seasons 14 and 15).

“Sean has been responsible for our finances and my financial situation for 28 years and I think it’s very hard for him to let that go,” Braunwyn admitted.

“That’s a big part of the reason I filed for divorce because I want to be able to stand on my own two feet and not have to keep asking for money.

“I want to be able to be an independent woman.”

PLAN AHEAD

The LGBTQ+ advocate has been in a relationship for six months with Jennifer, who lives in New York and works for a nonprofit.

Her 38-year-old friend “gets on very well” with Sean and their children.

The family is working on a “nesting system” where the children live in a “stable environment” in the couple’s family home.

Braunwyn hinted that the housing situation could change in the future as she searches for houses in Franklin, Tennessee to move in with Jen and move the “Nest” house.

She also previously told The US Sun that an engagement could happen in the coming months, although she is still legally married to her ex.

“I certainly would [propose]’ enthused Braunwyn.

“In most same-sex relationships I’ve seen, people take turns — they both propose.

“But you know, I’d love to have that moment.”

Braunwyn is currently working with a friend who was a producer on the Housewives on a secret television project about “Cotton and Blended Families.”

More details will be announced as soon as she is able to share more.

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