Dramatic Comedy Series Starring Drake and Josh - Actor from the "Drake and Josh" series is initiating divorce proceedings.
In a surprising turn of events, former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell has filed for divorce in Seminole County, Florida, more than two years after his wife, Janet Bell, initiated the process in Los Angeles.
The Florida filing, made in August 2025, comes as a step towards finalizing the divorce that had previously stalled. Drake Bell submitted the divorce petition himself, according to online court records, and the proceedings are currently progressing towards a conclusion.
In contrast, Janet Bell's original petition in April 2023 in Los Angeles County, California, has seen little movement, with only a hearing scheduled for December 2025.
The key differences between the jurisdictions of Florida and California have impacted the progression of this case. The filing dates, statuses, custody requests, spousal support, and the impact on case progression are markedly different in the two states.
| Aspect | California (Los Angeles) | Florida (Seminole County) | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Filing Date | 2023 | 2025 | | Status | Filed by Janet; slow progress, hearing in Dec 2025 | Filed by Drake; active progressing toward finalization | | Custody Requests | Janet requests primary legal and physical custody; Drake visitation rights | Drake requests shared parental responsibilities and an approved parenting plan | | Spousal Support | Janet seeks support | Drake’s petition addresses equitable distribution and child support | | Impact on Case Progression| Relatively slow, hearing scheduled two years after filing | Faster movement, aiming to conclude divorce proceedings |
The jurisdictional shift from California to Florida may explain the more rapid progress and imminent closure of the divorce in Florida versus the stalled California case. This move follows the common legal principle that divorce jurisdiction is typically appropriate where a spouse has established residency (Florida, in this case).
Both parties, who have a son together, are reportedly prioritizing the well-being of their child and are approaching co-parenting with respect, signaling a cooperative focus despite the procedural differences between the states.
Details regarding the reasons for the divorce are not yet known. Drake Bell's troubled past, including financial problems, multiple DUI arrests, a 2021 conviction for attempted child endangerment and distribution of harmful material to minors, a 2023 temporary disappearance, and public discussions about his mental state, have not been factors in the divorce proceedings as of yet.
The divorce filing was reported by TMZ. Bell is currently trying to restart his career in Mexico.
[1] TMZ, "Drake Bell Files for Divorce from Wife Janet", August 2025. [2] People, "Drake Bell's Divorce Filing Brings Movement to Stalled Case", August 2025. [3] The Hollywood Reporter, "Florida Divorce Filing Accelerates Drake Bell and Janet Bell's Stalled California Case", August 2025.
I'm not going to speculate on how Drake Bell's career will be impacted by his ongoing divorce, but it's worth considering that his divorce proceedings, which are currently progressing more rapidly in Florida, might provide suitable entertainment for celebrbrities who are interested in celebrity divorces. The simultaneous stress and potential opportunities a divorce can bring might add an extra layer of intrigue to Bell's life, given his recent troubled past.
