Joey Lawrence Is Trying to Take Samantha Cope Divorce 'in Stride' but Is Very 'Upset' by How It's Playing Out (Exclusive Source)
Mar. 15, 2025Samantha Cope (left) and Joey Lawrence.Photo:Samantha Cope/Instagram; Joey Lawrence/Instagram
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Samantha Cope/Instagram; Joey Lawrence/Instagram
A source close to the family tells PEOPLE that Lawrence and Cope’s separation helped improve his relationship with his loved ones and mend his coparenting relationship with ex-wifeChandie Yawn-Nelson, with whom he shares his daughters, Charleston, 18, and Liberty, 14.
“Once they split, things got exponentially better between him and his ex wife and their girls,” the source says of Lawrence. “Joey’s strong and strong in his faith so he’s trying to take it all in stride, but he is very disappointed and upset at how all of this has turned out.”
Last week, another insider told PEOPLE that Lawrence allegedly had an affair with hisSocked in for Christmascostar, Melina Alves. The source close to the family notes that the two “had a working relationship and were partners on a couple things.”
“He knew she was also going through a divorce,” the source continued. “He was very empathetic to her situation as well and called her collateral damage when it comes to all this.”
PEOPLE has reached out to reps for Lawrence and Cope for comment.
From left: Joey Lawrence and Samantha Cope.Samantha Cope /Instagram
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Samantha Cope /Instagram
Lawrence and Copetied the knot in May 2022. They first met while filming Lifetime’sMy Husband’s Secret Brothera year prior.
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She requested to block the court’s ability to award either side spousal support. Additionally, she is seeking full physical custody of their daughter Dylan, 19 months, while permitting Lawrence visitation at her discretion.
“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,” the filing stated.
(L-R) Ricardo Chavez, Allison Elliott, Joey Lawrence and Melina Alves film ‘Socked in for Christmas.Melina Alves/ Instagram
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Melina Alves/ Instagram
“Joey met Melina Alves on the set of their movie, where she was a producer,” the source claimed. “He then love-bombed her just like he love-bombed Samantha. He continued to date Melina even after Samantha found out about it and confronted him.”
“He had gotten to a point where he had hit his limit with defending his kids, his mom and his family to Samantha,” the source claimed, adding that Lawrence was “relieved the marriage is over because he can breathe.”
“He can be himself,” the source further explained. “He’s taking the time to make up for all of the lost time that he had with his children.”
Though Lawrence has not spoken out publicly since news of his divorce broke, Cope broke her silence on Saturday, Aug. 24 through anInstagram post, in which she highlighted recent good times, as well as some low moments.
source: people.com
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