Mauricio Umansky’s Family Legal Drama Raises Questions About Elder Abuse, Conservatorship, and Restraining Orders.
The private family life of real estate mogul Mauricio Umansky—best known as the estranged husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards—has become a very public legal saga involving restraining orders, elder abuse allegations, conservatorship, and financial disputes. With conflicting court filings and emotional testimony from multiple family members, the high-profile case provides a cautionary look into what can happen when legal safeguards are necessary to protect aging loved ones—and when family dynamics break down under pressure.
A Family Fractured: The Allegations
Mauricio, 54, recently testified under oath in Los Angeles Superior Court as part of his family’s effort to obtain a restraining order to protect his 81-year-old father, Eduardo Umansky, from Eduardo’s longtime partner, 68-year-old Simin Tabibnia. The dispute began when Mauricio’s sister, Sharon Umansky Benton, filed for an elder abuse restraining order in October 2024, alleging that Simin had engaged in a long-term pattern of emotional and physical abuse against their father—allegations Simin strongly denies.
Sharon’s legal filing included harrowing claims of bloody arms, bruises, and what she described as a pattern of threats, sexual coercion, and manipulation. She also accused Simin of isolating Eduardo from his family and financially exploiting him by coercing him into handing over more than $260,000. Sharon and Mauricio later sought and were granted conservatorship over Eduardo, citing his dementia and diminished capacity to manage his finances or protect himself from undue influence.
In turn, Simin filed for a restraining order of her own, claiming that she—not Eduardo—was the true victim of long-term abuse. Her filing alleged instances of physical violence, verbal attacks, and coercion, including being punched and choked. She presented photographs of bruises she said Eduardo had caused, and she claimed Sharon was trying to block her from Eduardo’s estate out of financial self-interest. However, the court ultimately denied Simin’s restraining order request, while granting a five-year order protecting Sharon from further contact with Simin.
Mauricio’s Testimony: Financial Entanglements Come to Light
During the court hearing, Mauricio provided insight into Eduardo’s financial situation. As the founder and CEO of The Agency, a prominent luxury real estate firm, Mauricio explained that Eduardo was once an agent at the company and remains a 4% equity holder. However, due to a downturn in the real estate market, Eduardo had not earned significant income in recent years—reportedly bringing in around $35,000 in commissions in 2023.
Mauricio testified that Simin had once worked for The Agency in an unofficial capacity but was never formally employed by its core team. He further revealed that she had been let go due to repeated violations of company ethics and values. “We don’t accept poor integrity,” Mauricio said in court, referencing multiple reports of verbal abuse in the workplace and a viral video allegedly showing Simin engaging in public harassment while displaying The Agency’s branding.
Despite the apparent volatility between Simin and the Umansky family, Mauricio admitted that until recently, he had maintained a cordial relationship with her. That changed after observing his father’s cognitive decline, which he described as progressing dementia, and growing concerns about Eduardo’s ability to protect himself from possible manipulation.
Restraining Orders: What Are They and How Do They Work?
The Umansky case brings renewed attention to the legal tools families can use to protect vulnerable individuals. A restraining order, also known as a protective order, is a court order intended to prevent one person from harassing, threatening, abusing, or contacting another. In California, as in many states, there are specific types of restraining orders based on the relationship between the parties and the nature of the alleged abuse.
Elder Abuse Restraining Orders, like the one Sharon obtained for Eduardo, are designed to protect individuals aged 65 and older—or younger adults with certain disabilities—who are victims of physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, financial exploitation, or other treatment resulting in physical or mental harm.
To be granted, the petitioner (in this case, Sharon) must present clear and convincing evidence that abuse has occurred or is likely to occur. Evidence can include medical records, photographs, police reports, testimony from witnesses, and written communication such as texts or emails. Courts weigh this evidence carefully, especially in family matters where accusations may be fueled by personal conflict.
Once issued, a restraining order can:
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Prohibit the restrained person from contacting or coming near the protected person
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Order the restrained person to move out of a shared residence
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Include provisions related to financial control, property, or custody in certain cases
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Be enforced by police if violated
Violating a restraining order can lead to arrest, fines, or jail time.
In this case, the court found Sharon’s allegations against Simin credible enough to grant a five-year restraining order. Simin’s counter-petition was denied due to insufficient evidence.
Conservatorship: When Families Step In for a Loved One
Mauricio and Sharon also pursued conservatorship—a legal process in which the court appoints someone to manage the personal or financial affairs of a person who is no longer capable of doing so themselves. This is often necessary in cases involving dementia or other cognitive impairments.
Conservatorship over Eduardo was granted after Sharon and Mauricio presented evidence that Eduardo was unable to stop Simin’s alleged exploitation and no longer had the capacity to manage his assets. This legal status now allows Sharon and Mauricio to protect his estate from further unauthorized access or influence.
A Legal Drama With Personal Stakes
What makes the Umansky case especially complex is the intersection of public exposure, family loyalty, business ties, and legal obligations. As Sharon and Mauricio step into legal guardianship roles, they also face scrutiny over their motivations—accusations Simin has used to paint their actions as self-serving rather than protective.
Meanwhile, Mauricio is dealing with additional legal pressure stemming from a federal lawsuit tied to COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans obtained by The Agency. The outcome of that case could further impact his finances and public image.
Final Thoughts: Legal Protections in High-Conflict Family Cases
While celebrity drama often dominates headlines for its sensationalism, the legal issues in this case are real and relatable. Many families face similarly painful decisions when aging parents show signs of vulnerability—especially when romantic partners, finances, or cognitive decline are involved.
If you’re concerned about a loved one being financially or emotionally abused, or if you believe a restraining order or conservatorship might be necessary, consult with a licensed attorney who specializes in elder law or family law. These legal tools exist to protect—not punish—and can be instrumental in ensuring the safety and dignity of those most at risk.
People Also Ask:
What qualifies as elder abuse in California?
Elder abuse includes physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or financial exploitation of a person aged 65 or older.
What is needed to get a restraining order?
You must show that the other party has harassed, threatened, or harmed you—or is likely to do so. Evidence such as witness testimony, photos, texts, and medical reports strengthens your case.
How does conservatorship work in California?
A conservator is appointed by the court to manage the personal or financial affairs of someone who can’t do so themselves due to physical or mental limitations.
Can family members file for restraining orders on behalf of an elderly parent?
Yes. If the elder is unable or unwilling to file themselves, a close family member or caregiver can file a petition in their interest.
Let us help you protect your loved ones. If you’re dealing with similar concerns about elder abuse, financial exploitation, or the need for a restraining order or conservatorship, contact our office today for a confidential consultation.