Looks like things are officially over for The Real Housewives of New Jersey stars, Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice, who have parted ways after 20 years of being married.
According to reports, one of New Jersey’s top divorce attorneys and mediators, Vikki Ziegler, took care of the former couple’s divorce. As for the pair themselves, they couldn’t be more thrilled and relieved to move on to the next chapter of their respective lives.
“I am so proud of Joe and Teresa for working together and resolving all of their matrimonial issues”
Ziegler, who’s a former Bravo television personality herself, released a statement saying, “I am so proud of Joe and Teresa for working together and resolving all of their matrimonial issues through the mediation process. Despite the pandemic and difficulty of Joe residing in Italy full time, with the use of technology, the couple was able to work together for the best interests of their children. In order to come to terms on all open topics relative to their marriage,” said Ziegler.
The Reality TV stars, who were childhood sweethearts, tied the knot in October 1999 and have four daughters together from their 20 year long marriage. Gia (19), Gabriella (15), Milania (14) and Audriana (10).
“Today Joe and Teresa have demonstrated that they can co-parent despite their marital differences and have a successful relationship. In order to raise these beautiful children and show that they can still love and honor one another even if they’re no longer married.”
“This is a family that has endured a tremendous amount of pain and sadness over the last several years”
Longtime Giudice family attorney James J. Leonard Jr. added, “This is a family that has endured a tremendous amount of pain and sadness over the last several years. Much of which has played out publicly, both on television and in the media,” said Leonard, referring to the couple’s publicized divorce. The pair of exes decided to separate on December 2019 following years of rumored infidelity, prison stints and more.
“Today’s news, while bittersweet, is full of optimism and promise for both of their futures. They will remain in each other’s lives and are completely amicable and focused on their four amazing daughters. As well as being supportive of one another as they embark on their separate journeys toward happiness.”
“Teresa has been living the life of a single mother ever since Joe was incarcerated”
Back in 2019, last year, a source dished out information about the couple’s split. “Teresa has been living the life of a single mother ever since Joe was incarcerated. She has dedicated herself to her children, her career and has focused only on that. She always knew there was a possibility that Joe would get deported but it all happened so fast after his release.”
For years, Teresa had maintained that she would stick by Joe’s side. However, that was quick to change. During the “RHONJ” Season 9 reunion, Teresa admitted to Andy Cohen that she and Joe would go their separate ways if he was deported to Italy for good.
Charges against the couple, Prison sentences and Joe’s subsequent deportation
Joe was deported to Italy after he completed his 41-month prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, New Jersey, in March 2019.
Both him and Teresa pleaded guilty to multiple charges of wire fraud and bankruptcy fraud charges in 2014. The former couple were accused of exaggerating their income while applying for loans before RHONJ debuted. They then proceeded to hide their improved fortunes in a bankruptcy filing. Joe was also accused of failing to file tax returns between 2004 and 2008.
Teresa was sentenced to 15 months and was released from federal prison in December 2015 after serving 11 months. Joe, who was sentenced to 41 months, began his sentence for the same crimes in March 2016 and was released three years later. However, months before he was released, the court ordered for his deportation. This was because he was born in Italy and never obtained American citizenship despite living in the United States since he was a child.
Two of Joe’s appeals in his deportation case were denied. Hence he is still in Italy, while Teresa remains in New Jersey with their daughters.
“I just became very resentful and I think that’s when it died out”
In the reunion, Teresa also revealed that she had completely lost feelings for her ex after her mother, Antonia Gorga, died from Pneumonia in March 2017. “Everything just changed after I lost my mom,” she shared. “I just became very resentful and I think that’s when it died out.”
The source continued, “Teresa is very realistic about the past. She has known for a while that things weren’t going to work out between them. Their marriage had been through far too much for them to start over. She’s ready for a new start for 2020.”
“They still have love for each other, they just aren’t in love with each other”
Although they have been separated for a while, the couple parted ways on good terms. ‘Joe and Teresa are in an amazing place and are very supportive of one another.’ A source close to the pair revealed. “They still have love for each other, they just aren’t in love with each other. They are supporting each other 100 percent as they each pursue their happiness.”
News of the couple’s divorce and 9 month long legal separation comes after they reportedly put their $2.5million Montville mansion up for sale this week. The former couple’s split was played out on season 10 of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
According to sources, Joe will be appearing telephonic-ally and via Face time from Italy on season 11 of RHONJ. Which is currently still in production. Their lives together and apart will play out on the latest season.
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