‘Real Housewives’ Ex under Temporary Conservatorship

Tom Girardi ’s brother, Robert, has been named to take care of his daily and personal activities. The news comes a month after Robert filed a petition to be in control of Tom's estate and ongoing legal battles.

A conservatorship is when a judge appoints someone to manage an incapacitated person's financial and personal affairs. The conservator's duties include overseeing finances, establishing and monitoring the physical care of the ward and managing living arrangements.

Screen Rant’s article entitled “RHOBH: Erika's Ex Tom Girardi Now Under Temporary Conservatorship Due to Illness” reports that Tom and Erika have been entangled in some legal drama since she filed for divorce in November of last year.

Despite the May-December romance (more than 30 years’ difference), they always appeared to be happy together. However, as they battle in divorce, their relationship has turned ugly. Tom Girardi refused to pay spousal support, but he has her involved in another legal issue: the couple is being sued by Tom's former clients for embezzling over $2 million. The plaintiffs say that Tom and Erika stole the money to maintain their lavish lifestyle.

According to Us Weekly, the 81-year-old's attorney Rudy Cosio said that Tom Girardi wouldn’t be able to attend the hearing because he suffered a medical emergency over the weekend. His brother filed a petition in January to control Tom's estate and legal battle because he’s not currently well enough to handle this on his own. The petition was approved by the judge. Robert was given temporary conservatorship of his brother's estate, as well as his daily activities and personal matters until the end of March. Another hearing is set for mid-March when the judge will decide whether to grant Robert's other requests. These include granting him approval to place Tom in facility that treats patients with neurocognitive disorders like dementia.

Robert's attorney released a statement to Us Weekly on the conservatorship and its urgent nature.

“There was an urgent need for Bob Girardi to have the power to engage counsel in the bankruptcy proceeding on his brother’s behalf, and Tom’s court-appointed counsel clearly agreed, as did the court today,” the statement read.

According to court filings, Robert admitted Tom's health has been declining since Erika filed for divorce and the embezzlement lawsuit last year. Tom Girardi is currently unable to understand the ramifications of the bankruptcy filings pending against him and needs Robert to help him.

In December, it was reported that Tom was secretly hospitalized due to a serious illness. While Tom's illness is not yet known, many are worried about his mental capabilities.

Reference: Screen Rant (Feb. 2, 2021) “RHOBH: Erika's Ex Tom Girardi Now Under Temporary Conservatorship Due To Illness”