Erika Girardi’s estranged husbandTom Girardiis currently residing in a “skilled nursing facility” amid hislegal woesand his divorce from theReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar.
“Tom is the subject of an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding and a marriage dissolution proceeding,” the documents say. “As a result, his home was put up for sale. Furthermore, Tom’s care needs are such that he needs to be at a skilled nursing facility.”
Erika, 50,filed for divorcefrom Tom in November after 21 years of marriage, telling PEOPLE at the time, “This is not a step taken lightly or easily. I have great love and respect for Tom and for our years and the lives we built together.”
Since then, she and her ex have weathered variouscontroversiesin the public eye, including the bankruptcy mentioned in the new documents.
Tom Girardi.Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty
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In addition to theongoing bankruptcy lawsuit, Tom has been diagnosed withdementia and Alzheimer’s diseaseand was placed under theconservatorshipas a result. After Robert was named as his temporary conservator in February, the appointment wasmade permanentin June.
“It’s obviously a heartbreaking situation for Robert, but we agree with the court’s rulings yesterday,” Robert’s lawyer, Nicholas Van Brunt, said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time.
Erika and Tom Girardi.Steve Eichner/AP
Duringlast week’s episode ofRHOBH,Erika opened up to her costars about the conservatorship
“So yesterday was the hearing for Tom’s conservatorship so that his brother could take over his affairs,” she said. “So someone sent me an article about what was said in court, and there was just this one piece of it. That just really bothered me. It says, ‘Tom’s brother asked the court to give him the authority to place Tom in a facility that treats neurocognitive disorders such as dementia.'”
Asked how she felt about the ruling, Erika said, “I’m ready to have a nervous breakdown.”
The Bravo star said that she doesn’t agree with Tom being put into a care facility, noting that she has “a little bit of experience” in this department because her grandmother was diagnosed with “very bad dementia” and Alzheimer’s and placed into a home.
“I think he needs a caretaker, for sure. But I don’t think that he needs to be in a home,” Erika continued on the show. “Like, I saw my grandmother and I know what they do to you in there. It’s supposed to be great care, but if they lash out, then they medicate you. The only way is down, is what I’m saying.”
source: people.com
