Bryton James Ends Marriage After 7 Months: 'Family Matters' Star Cites Irreconcilable Differences

Bryton James, whose best-known role is as Richie Crawford on the hit TV series Family Matters, is divorcing his wife Jahaira James just seven months after they got married. The actor, who now plays Devon Hamilton on The Young and the Restless, filed the official court papers in Los Angeles on October 13 for irreconcilable differences.

The two exchanged vows in March 2025 but separated by June. They have no offspring together, and Bryton has petitioned the court to terminate its jurisdiction to award spousal support to both of them. He also requested Jahaira to relinquish her maiden name upon divorce.

Jahaira, a professional dancer who has had experience dancing with such celebrities as Beyoncé and Usher, was publicly admired by Bryton recently in a heartfelt Instagram post. He described her career path as "what inspiration wants to be when it grows up," although the post is now deleted.

This is Bryton's second marriage. He previously married from 2011 to 2014 to Ashley Leisinger. Bryton did not believe he would get married again in a 2021 podcast interview, crediting it to self-improvement and shifting attitudes towards relationships and fatherhood.

Despite the temporary marriage, both Bryton and Jahaira have maintained public decorum, with no indication of animosity. The actor's supporters continue to defend him as he undergoes this personal metamorphosis while maintaining a thriving career in daytime television.