Nearly a year after announcing the end of their decade-long marriage, Jessica Simpson and her estranged husband Eric Johnson have still not filed for divorce, sparking widespread speculation about a potential reconciliation. However, sources close to the couple indicate the delay is a calculated decision rooted in financial pragmatism and a shared commitment to their family.
A Strategic Pause, Not a Romantic Reunion
In January 2025, the singer and fashion designer, 45, and the retired NFL star, 46, confirmed they were living separately after ten years of marriage. Despite initial assumptions that legal proceedings would swiftly follow, the pair have taken a deliberate step back. According to an insider speaking to the Daily Mail, "divorce is expensive" and both parties are acutely aware of the financial impact.
"Jessica is the breadwinner. She wants to keep her money and she also wants to make sure her kids are cared for in a two-parent family, whether they are officially together or not," the source explained. This financial caution is directly linked to the couple's shared property. They initially listed their seven-bedroom Hidden Hills mansion for $18 million just days before announcing their split, but took it off the market in November 2025 after lowering the price to $17.9 million.
The insider revealed they are waiting for a better real estate market to avoid selling at a loss. "Once the economy gets better and real estate gets better, then they will officially divorce because right now, it would be bad business to get divorced for both of them," they said.
Prioritising Sobriety and Family Harmony
Beyond finances, Simpson's well-documented sobriety journey is a paramount concern. The star celebrated eight years of being alcohol-free in November 2024. It is understood that concerned friends had raised fears that the stress of a fractured marriage could threaten her hard-won sobriety, which was a factor in her decision to walk away after the couple entered counselling.
"Her sobriety has been something she has worked on immensely as of late, and she has been doing really well with it," the source stated. Simpson herself has been open about how alcohol once "silenced my intuition" and caused her to miss moments with her children.
This focus on health has seamlessly translated into a successful co-parenting dynamic. The former couple share three children: daughters Maxwell Drew, 13, and Birdie Mae, six, and son Ace Knute, 12. Reports that the family spent Thanksgiving together underscore their commitment to putting "family first."
"They have steered their broken relationship into a much better co-parenting situation," the insider shared. "They got to this point to where they are friends, and she is more healthy in her sobriety journey."
Looking Ahead: Friendship Over Romance
While the pair have reached an amicable and functional friendship, the source was unequivocal about the future of their romantic relationship. "One thing is for sure, they aren't getting back together romantically," they stated.
The work invested in creating a stable environment for their children is the priority. "They have put in the work to get to a good place with their kids and each other. To ruin that now by trying to get back together is not wise, and they both realize that," the insider concluded.
For now, the path forward for Simpson and Johnson is clear: maintain their focus on co-parenting, protect their individual and shared financial interests, and allow Simpson to continue her sobriety journey in peace. The formal dissolution of their marriage will proceed only when the timing is right on all fronts.
