Dancing with the Stars judge Cheryl Burke made her highly anticipated return to the ballroom as a guest judge during the Halloween special on October 28, 2025. While fans celebrated her comeback, curiosity about her personal life surged again — particularly her past marriage to actor Matthew Lawrence. So, are Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence still married in 2025? Here’s the full update on their relationship, divorce, and where they stand today.
Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence’s Relationship Timeline
Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence’s romance dates back to 2006, when they met through Matthew’s brother Joey Lawrence, a contestant on Season 3 of DWTS. The pair started dating shortly after but split in 2008. Nearly a decade later, they rekindled their relationship in 2017, and Matthew proposed in 2018. The couple tied the knot in May 2019 during a private ceremony in San Diego, California. Despite years of on-and-off love, their story took a turn in 2022, when Cheryl filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.
Divorce Finalized in 2022
Cheryl Burke officially filed for divorce on February 18, 2022, listing January 7, 2022, as the separation date. The divorce was finalized in September 2022. In an interview on The Tamron Hall Show that May, Cheryl said the couple even tried therapy to repair their relationship, calling it “a healthy way to communicate,” but it wasn’t enough to save the marriage.
Why Did They Split?
In 2024, Cheryl opened up on her podcast I Do, Part 2, explaining that financial imbalance and career pressures contributed to the breakdown. She admitted that being the main provider in the relationship created tension, saying some men might feel “emasculated” when their partner earns more. Cheryl also revealed she entered the marriage despite having doubts, hoping it would work out — but it ultimately didn’t.
No Children, But a Dog Custody Battle
The couple did not have children, but they did share a French bulldog named Ysabella. After their split, a custody dispute ensued, and Cheryl later confirmed she had won full custody in 2023. “She’s my dog, and it was a gift from my ex. I can’t imagine my life without her,” Cheryl told Entertainment Tonight.
Where Do They Stand Now?
As of 2025, Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence are no longer together. Cheryl remains focused on her career, podcasting, and television projects, while Matthew has kept a low profile. Both have expressed mutual respect since their divorce and avoided public criticism. Their once-celebrated Hollywood love story has peacefully transitioned into mutual independence — each pursuing new paths personally and professionally.
