Peter Falk (Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES -- A judge in Los Angeles has ruled that "Columbo" star Peter Falk should be placed under his wife's care.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Aviva K. Bobb established a conservatorship for the ailing actor Monday after a two-day court battle between Falk's adopted daughter and wife of 32 years.
Falk, who is 81 years old, suffers from dementia.
During a hearing Wednesday, one of Falk's two adopted daughters, Catherine, described lifelong tensions between the actor's children and his wife, Shera Falk.
In court papers filed Dec. 12, Catherine Falk said her father is no longer able take care of himself due to his deteriorating health. She said he suffers from Alzheimer's disease and should be placed under a conservatorship order to protect him and allow her to visit him regularly.
Catherine Falk, who was adopted at birth by Falk and his first wife, said Shera Falk repeatedly slammed the door on her and her sister when they tried to visit their father at his home in Beverly Hills. She said beginning last year, he also began forgetting conversations and constantly asked her to repeat things. She grew increasingly concerned about his care, but claimed she has not been allowed to see or speak with her father.
Bobb established court control over the actor's life primarily to ensure the daughter can visit her dad.
During cross examination, Shera Falk's attorney questioned Catherine Falk about her interest in her father's estate claiming money may be the motive for seeking a conservatorship.
Shera Falk said there was no need for a conservatorship.
Falk planned for his health and financial care before his illness and said his wife, Shera, should be left in charge.
He did not attend the hearing.
Falk won four Emmys for his starring role in "Columbo." He also received Academy Award nominations for movies in 1959 and 1960.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Aviva K. Bobb established a conservatorship for the ailing actor Monday after a two-day court battle between Falk's adopted daughter and wife of 32 years.
Falk, who is 81 years old, suffers from dementia.
During a hearing Wednesday, one of Falk's two adopted daughters, Catherine, described lifelong tensions between the actor's children and his wife, Shera Falk.
In court papers filed Dec. 12, Catherine Falk said her father is no longer able take care of himself due to his deteriorating health. She said he suffers from Alzheimer's disease and should be placed under a conservatorship order to protect him and allow her to visit him regularly.
Catherine Falk, who was adopted at birth by Falk and his first wife, said Shera Falk repeatedly slammed the door on her and her sister when they tried to visit their father at his home in Beverly Hills. She said beginning last year, he also began forgetting conversations and constantly asked her to repeat things. She grew increasingly concerned about his care, but claimed she has not been allowed to see or speak with her father.
Bobb established court control over the actor's life primarily to ensure the daughter can visit her dad.
During cross examination, Shera Falk's attorney questioned Catherine Falk about her interest in her father's estate claiming money may be the motive for seeking a conservatorship.
Shera Falk said there was no need for a conservatorship.
Falk planned for his health and financial care before his illness and said his wife, Shera, should be left in charge.
He did not attend the hearing.
Falk won four Emmys for his starring role in "Columbo." He also received Academy Award nominations for movies in 1959 and 1960.
