Noella Bergener's time on The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) was significantly defined by the unraveling of her marriage and subsequent divorce, which became a central storyline during her tenure on the show.
Noella's Debut and Marital Turmoil
Noella Bergener joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Orange County as a main housewife for Season 16, which aired in 2021-2022. Her storyline immediately focused on the unexpected and dramatic dissolution of her marriage to personal injury attorney James Bergener.
The Dueling Divorces
The complexities of Noella's divorce played out prominently on screen. When Noella and James split in 2021, their divorce proceedings became a complicated legal battle spanning two jurisdictions:
- James's Filing: James filed for divorce in Puerto Rico, where the couple had resided and owned a home.
- Noella's Filing: Noella, who had moved to Orange County specifically to join the cast of RHOC, filed a separate request for divorce in California, establishing her new residency for the show.
This dual filing added a layer of legal and emotional complexity to her personal life, making it a prominent topic throughout her season.
Departure from RHOC
Noella's time on The Real Housewives of Orange County was relatively brief. Following the conclusion of Season 16, it was announced that she would not be returning for Season 17. Her departure meant her storyline, largely centered around her divorce, concluded with her single season on the show.
