'RHOBH' Star Erika Jayne's Divorce Battle, Millions At Stake With No Prenup
By Ryan Naumann on November 5, 2020 at 8:28 AM EST
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"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Erika Jayne reportedly had no prenuptial agreement with estranged husband Thomas Girardi.
According to People, Erika discussed the topic with Andy Cohen during a Bravo special in 2017.
Andy asked Erika whether or not her lawyer-husband Thomas presented her with a contract before tying the knot. Erika told the host, "I don't have a prenup.” She admitted that even if they had signed on, Thomas would find a way to throw it out.
After filing for divorce, Erika released a statement reading, "After much consideration, I have decided to end my marriage to Tom Girardi. 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."
She added, "It is my absolute wish to proceed through this process with respect and with the privacy that both Tom and I deserved. I request others give us that privacy as well."
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In the days since filing, Erika has been radio silent on social media. The divorce will most likely become a storyline on the upcoming season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
The divorce comes right as Thomas was hit with allegations of fraud from a former client. Erika's husband and his law firm, Girardi & Keese, were sued by a woman named Judy Selberg. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff accuses the defendants of legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and conversion.
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She said, "But let me tell you something, let me be very clear. I'm married to a very powerful lawyer. A prenup wouldn't stand in his way anyway. So it doesn't matter whether you had one or you didn't, it's going to be all Tom's way, I assure you. He'll rip that piece of paper to shreds in two seconds!"
Thomas is worth millions from his years as a successful lawyer. Erika has made a ton of money from her Bravo paychecks, endorsement deals, and acting gigs. The two own a $10 million mansion in Pasadena.
The two married in 1999 and share no children. Earlier this week, Erika shocking the world by filing a petition for divorce.
Judy says she hired Thomas to represent her in a wrongful death lawsuit after her husband died during a boating incident. The lawsuit resulted in a $500,000 settlement. However, she claims Thomas only paid her $50,000 of her cut and stole the rest.
The lawsuit accuses Thomas' actions of causing Judy emotional distress. The suit is seeking the entire unpaid balance from the settlement. Further, she is seeking unspecified damages for Thomas’ negligence. Erika's husband has yet to respond to the case.
