Joey Lawrence’s wife, Samantha Cope, officially filed to dismiss her divorce filing from the Blossom alum, In Touch can exclusively confirm.
In the documents obtained by In Touch, Samantha, 37, filed to “dismiss the action of all parties and all causes of action.” The paperwork was filed on Wednesday, December 11.
Samantha first filed for divorce on August 6, and days later she shared a cryptic message via Instagram.
“Not everything is a loss. Some things are a freedom. Some things are a second chance. Some things are a miracle in disguise,” the quote Samantha shared read in the first slide, followed by photos of herself with her and Joey’s young daughter, Dylan.
Samantha didn’t request spousal support from the Frankie Meets Jack star, but she asked for “100 percent physical custody of Dylan with visitation to Joe at Samantha’s discretion.” She also added that “once Dylan is 3 or older, Joe will have the option to take her for 2 nights in her home location if he is not working and can facilitate her visiting.”
Later that same month, Edward Rider accused Joey, 48, of having an affair with his wife, Melina Alves. The two costarred in the holiday film Socked for Christmas and had been filming when Edward made the allegations. Melina, 40, addressed the situation via Instagram.
“It is with a deep sadness and heavy heart that I must address the recent allegations about the relationship between myself and Joey Lawrence, which have unfortunately become a public matter,” Melina wrote on August 28. “As a private person, it is deeply distressing to see such personal and sensitive issues being discussed so openly and inaccurately.”
Melina insisted that she and Joey did not have a “sexual relationship,” but instead described their friendship as “meaningful.” She also said that their relationship “developed naturally due to the many similarities in our personal situations.”
“When I met Joey, I was immediately struck by his kindness, warmth, and genuine character. We found common ground in our shared experiences, which led to a strong, supportive friendship that has been a source of strength for both of us,” Melina continued.
The actress added that she and Edward had been “estranged since January 2023,” and that their “marriage had been struggling for some time.”
“I ask for understanding and respect for our privacy as we navigate these difficult circumstances,” Melina concluded. “This is a deeply private matter that I never intended to become public, and I hope that this clarification can help put an end to the speculation and allow both Joey and myself to move forward without further intrusion.”
Earlier this month, it appeared as though Samantha and Joey had worked through their relationship problems when he shared some photos of them together at the premiere of Marry Christmas, their new holiday film.
“I am beyond grateful. I am beyond blessed. I am galaxies beyond thankful. My heart is so full,” Joey wrote alongside the image and added red and white heart emojis.
In the second photo, the “Brotherly Love” podcast host and Samantha shared a kiss with the words, “My forever after,” written at the bottom. Samantha was feeling the love as well and she added, “Love you” in the comments section.
