Joey Lawrence and Samantha Cope's Relationship Timeline: A Look at Their Romance Amid Divorce and Cheating Allegations

Joey Lawrence and Samantha Cope started dating after meeting on the set of Lifetime's My Husband's Secret Brother.

Speaking with Us Weekly in 2021, Lawrence opened up about bumping into his now-estranged wife.

"So, we met there and out of nowhere, you know, it was a crazy year and a half for everybody, obviously the whole world," he said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Then when you least expect [it], amazing things happen and meeting her has just been really the greatest thing ever."

The Brotherly Love alum moved on with Cope amid his divorce from Chandie Yawn-Nelson, with whom he was married to for more than 15 years. He previously tied the knot with Michelle Vella before ending their three-year marriage in 2005.

Lawrence and Cope took things to the next level when they got married in an outdoor ceremony in California in May 2022.

After the ceremony, the Diff'rent Strokes guest star told People it "just felt so right," adding, "Life can be challenging at times, but when God gives you the right person, it's worth it."

Lawrence continued, "When you meet the right person, if you're lucky enough, it cuts to the chase so quick. I have somebody who is like-minded and has the same love language and we communicate the same way. That's super important. And I am so thankful."

Meanwhile, Cope said their relationship was "a safe place" for her to be herself.

In a January 2023 Instagram post, the then-couple confirmed they welcomed their first child, Dylan Rose Lawrence.

"Mom, Dad and big sisters are all so smitten with you sweet girl," Joey captioned the post. "We welcomed her into this world with the most amazing midwife, everyone is happy and healthy and we are overjoyed with gratitude. Wow what a beautiful journey. thank you for all your continued love surrounding this beautiful new life! stay tuned for baby spam xoxo."

The baby girl is Samantha's first child and Joey's third. He shares daughters Liberty and Charleston with Chandie.

Samantha filed for divorce from her estranged husband, citing irreconcilable differences, and submitted the paperwork on August 13 — two months after the listed date of separation, June 7, 2024.

She requested full physical custody of their daughter while permitting Joey visitation at her discretion. The mom-of-one also attempted to block the court's ability to award spousal support to either of them.

After Samantha's divorce filing, sources claimed the estranged couple split after Joey cheated on her with his Socked In For Christmas costar Melina Alves.

"Joey met Melina Alves on the set of their movie, where she was a producer," said the insider. "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."

While Samantha suggested they go to counseling, Joey allegedly "fooled" their counselor and left his estranged wife "watching, bawling her eyes out" as he prepared for dates with Melina.

On August 22, TMZ shared the divorce filings by Melina's estranged husband, Edward Rider, which divulged he caught her and Joey having an affair in late March. Edward submitted the request weeks before Samantha filed for divorce.

Amid the divorce and infidelity revelations, Samantha broke her silence on Instagram and shared what she and her daughter had been up to lately.

"An amazing friend of mine recently told me 'don't be afraid of the tears. Let them flow. Because every tear is God gently squeezing the pain and devastation from your heart to make room for new beautiful feelings to come in,'" she captioned the post, which featured their mom-and-daughter moments. "She also reminded me: 'the more you cry, the less you pee,' So let them flow. You got this. 🩵🙏🏻."

Meanwhile, a source claimed the marriage was doomed from the start as the ex-couple "had troubles."

"He had gotten to a point where he had hit his limit with defending his kids, his mom and his family to Samantha," the insider added.

Meanwhile, Joey shared his side of the story, stating: "With a deep sense of responsibility, I want to respond to the recent allegations surrounding my personal life, including my divorce and the claims of an affair with Melina Alves."

"Melina and I became close friends and I did not have a physical relationship with her while filming the movie 'Socked in for Christmas'. These rumors are false," he continued. "Our bond was based on shared experiences and an understanding of the challenges we were both facing in our personal lives. I was clinging to hope that I could save a relationship that, in my heart, I knew was beyond saving. My short-lived marriage was fraught with difficulties from the beginning. Our differences became insurmountable."