Jax Taylor Expresses Hope for ‘Amicable’ Split and Future Friendship with Ex Brittany Cartwright: It’s ‘All I Want’

Jax Taylor is getting candid about his divorce from Brittany Cartwright.

The longtime couple separated in February after four years of marriage, but continually insisted they were not on the road to divorce. However, on Aug. 27, Cartwright, 35, officially filed for divorce from the 45-year-old, citing irreconcilable differences.

On the Sept. 6 episode of Taylor’s podcast, When Reality Hits, which he and Cartwright share, the Bravo star delved into the dissolution of his marriage, as he admitted he’s had “a really, really rough week.”

“I understand why she did, and I agree that this is the right decision for our family,” Taylor said of Cartwright’s filing, before sharing how he’s feeling now about his ex.

“I will always love and care for Brittany, I mean, she’s the mother of my beautiful son,” he said, referring to their 3-year-old son Cruz, who Cartwright has requested primary legal and physical custody of amid the divorce.

“All I want for us is to be amicable co-parents and even hopefully really, really good friends one day. I know I’m an amazing father and I know that I will make an excellent ex-husband,” he continued.

Taylor’s brief statement on the divorce echoes what a source told PEOPLE in the days after Cartwright’s filing.

“This step has been a long time coming and something Brittany knew she had to do for the best interest of herself and her son in order to move forward and put a stop to this tumultuous cycle they’ve been living in,” the source said.

“Jax is feeling mixed emotions. He knows this is ultimately the right decision but is sad that things ended up the way they have. It’s an emotional month for him and he’s trying to stay strong for his son,” the source added, referring to Taylor’s voluntary 30-day stay at an in-patient facility for mental health treatment. Since leaving the facility, he’s revealed he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD.

Prior to Taylor speaking out about the divorce, Cartwright shared her thoughts on it on an episode of their joint podcast from Aug. 31. She said that she couldn’t “speak on details” of the split “because everything has been heavily documented on [The Valley] since we happen to be filming right now.”

“You will see how everything plays out once the show airs but I will say this: This season has been the most difficult season I have ever had to film. I never imagined I’d go through something so personal and painful while having the world watch,” she admitted.

She also reiterated that her “decision to file wasn’t made lightly or quickly” and shut down speculation that it was “a publicity stunt for the show or to garner ratings.”

“It’s taken me many years to get to this point, where I’ve gained enough courage and strength to do what was best for me — get myself out of a toxic relationship and ultimately see my worth.”