Golden Bachelor’s Mel Owens Faces Forced Home Sale Over $980,000 Divorce Debt

Former Golden Bachelor star Mel Owens is in serious financial trouble. His ex-wife, Fabiana Pimentel, is demanding their $2 million California home be sold. This move aims to cover the $980,000 divorce settlement he has failed to pay. The deadline for payment passed months ago.

Court documents reveal a stark contrast between Owens’s public persona and private finances. According to the Daily Mail, he has paid only $40,000 of the total amount owed. Daily interest on the unpaid debt continues to grow, adding to the mounting pressure.

Mounting Debts and Legal Pressure

The retired NFL linebacker claimed he earns just $1,000 per month. This claim was made during the lengthy divorce proceedings. However, records indicate he possesses assets worth over $2.75 million.

This discrepancy has become a central point in the legal battle. Fabiana’s legal team is pushing for immediate court action. They argue that selling the Aliso Viejo property is the only way to ensure she receives the money owed to her.

The couple’s divorce was finalized in December 2024 after a five-year legal fight. Owens has a history of failing to meet court-ordered financial obligations. He previously accumulated significant child support arrears.

A Closer Look at the Property and Penalties

The home in question was purchased in 2008 for $840,000. Its value has since appreciated significantly. A sale at current market rates would generate more than enough to cover the debt.

Fabiana remains a co-obligor on the mortgage. She claims Owens is also delinquent on these payments. This strengthens her legal position for forcing a sale.

Interest on the unpaid settlement is accruing at $257.53 every day. This financial penalty increases the total debt substantially with each passing week. The court has already sanctioned Owens twice for non-payment in the past.

Broader Implications for Public Figures

This case highlights the challenges of reconciling a celebrity image with financial reality. Viewers of The Golden Bachelor saw Owens as a reliable and trustworthy figure. The court documents present a very different picture.

The situation serves as a cautionary tale about post-divorce financial compliance. Courts have powerful tools to enforce settlement agreements. These include forcing the sale of jointly owned assets to satisfy debts.

For Fabiana, the forced sale represents a path to financial resolution. For Owens, it means the potential loss of his home and further damage to his public reputation. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how similar cases involving public figures are handled.

The court is expected to rule on the forced home sale soon. This decision will determine the final chapter in this high-profile financial dispute. The Golden Bachelor star’s financial future now rests in the hands of the judiciary.

Info at your fingertips

How much does Mel Owens owe his ex-wife?

He owes $980,000 from their divorce settlement. So far, he has only paid $40,000 of this total amount. The original payment was due on February 28, 2025.

What is the value of the home they are fighting over?

The Aliso Viejo, California property is valued at approximately $2 million. The couple originally bought the home for $840,000 back in 2008. Its value has increased significantly over the years.

Why is Fabiana pushing for a forced sale now?

She is seeking to recover the unpaid settlement money. Mel Owens has missed the payment deadline and has a history of non-payment. The daily interest charges are also adding to the total debt.

What other financial issues has Mel Owens faced?

Court records show he previously accumulated over $81,000 in unpaid child support. He has been sanctioned by the courts twice for failing to meet his financial obligations. This current situation is part of a longer pattern.

How long were Mel and Fabiana married?

The couple was married for 18 years before separating. They tied the knot in 2002 and share two sons together. Fabiana initially filed for divorce in February 2020.

Trusted Sources

Daily Mail, Reuters, Associated Press