Erika Jayne Lawsuit 2026: $25M Settlement, $18M Fashion Suit, and Divorce Warning
Quick Answer
- Erika Jayne settled the $25 million Girardi Keese bankruptcy lawsuit on May 21, 2026, days before trial .
- The settlement amount was not disclosed, and the case was dismissed without prejudice .
- She still faces an $18 million lawsuit from fashion designer Chris Psaila over credit card disputes .
Is the Erika Jayne Lawsuit Real?
The Erika Jayne lawsuit is real, and it produced a last-minute settlement in May 2026 that ended a five-year legal battle.
The case was filed in 2021 by the bankruptcy trustee overseeing the collapse of Girardi Keese, the law firm of Jayne’s estranged husband Tom Girardi .
The trustee alleged Jayne received more than $25 million in firm funds used for personal expenses, including her American Express bills, assistants, and glam squad .
Jayne has consistently denied wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges .
Key Takeaway: The $25 million case is settled, but the terms are secret and the dismissal was without prejudice, meaning the claim could technically be refiled.
How Much Was the Erika Jayne Settlement?
The Erika Jayne settlement amount was not disclosed in court records or public statements.
Lawyers told the judge on May 21, 2026, that both sides “agreed to a settlement” and asked the court to “dismiss without prejudice” .
The dismissal without prejudice means the plaintiff could theoretically refile the claim, though no indication exists that will happen.
The original claim sought $25 million plus interest from Jayne . The trustee argued the firm paid over $25 million in expenses “approved and generated by one person, Erika Girardi” .
| Case Detail | Verified Value |
|---|---|
| Original claim amount | $25 million plus interest |
| Settlement amount | Not disclosed |
| Dismissal type | Without prejudice |
| Date settled | May 21, 2026 |
Not yet determined: The actual settlement value remains confidential.
Reality Check
No one will text you about money from the Erika Jayne lawsuit. This is a private bankruptcy case between a trustee and a celebrity, not a consumer settlement. There is no claim form, no administrator, and no payout for the public. If you see ads promising money from this case, they are false.
Who Is Suing Erika Jayne Now?
Erika Jayne still faces an $18 million lawsuit from fashion designer Chris Psaila, who runs the brand Marco Marco .
Psaila alleges Jayne falsely told law enforcement he misused her credit card and rang up roughly $800,000 in fraudulent charges in 2015 and 2016 .
Jayne filed court documents in July 2026 denying any wrongdoing. She says she never knowingly lied to the Secret Service and only spoke with investigators about concerns over charges after having trouble getting receipts .
Her attorney, Evan Borges, said the claims are “entirely without merit” and that federal prosecutors, not Jayne, made the decision to charge Psaila .
Jayne is asking the court to throw out the lawsuit in its entirety. Psaila seeks around $18 million in damages for emotional distress and damage to his business and reputation .
Why Did Erika Jayne Settle the $25 Million Lawsuit?
Erika Jayne settled the $25 million lawsuit just days before jury selection was set to begin, avoiding a trial that could have exposed more financial details .
The settlement came after years of legal maneuvering, including motions in limine filed in January 2026 to exclude evidence about Tom Girardi’s criminal misconduct .
During the RHOBH Season 15 reunion, Jayne acknowledged the uncertainty. “You can file for bankruptcy, or you can fight it out in court,” she said. “You can go to trial, you can cut a deal, you can die in the streets. I have no idea” .
The trustee’s attorney, Ronald Richards, said he was “satisfied” with the outcome. “I’ve spent five years pursuing Erika Girardi to bring justice to the victims of her husband’s fraud,” he said .
What Happened to the $25 Million Claim Before Settlement?
The $25 million claim was sold to a third party for $2 million before the settlement, a detail most headlines missed .
A Los Angeles bankruptcy court approved the sale of the trustee’s claim against Jayne to LHA Land LLC in April 2026 .
Trustee Elissa D. Miller sold the rights to pursue Jayne for the full $25 million for just $2 million. Attorney Ronald Richards said the sale created “a value of $2 million” for the victims .
The sale changed the case from a trustee-led action to a private entity with financial incentive to recover money. Any recovery above $2 million would be profit for LHA Land .
Key Takeaway: The claim was sold for pennies on the dollar, suggesting the buyer saw settlement value rather than trial victory.
Where Is Tom Girardi Now?
Tom Girardi is serving an 87-month sentence in federal prison after being convicted of wire fraud in 2024 .
The disgraced former attorney was found to have stolen tens of millions from his personal injury clients. Prosecutors said he defrauded clients of more than $15 million over a decade .
Girardi was ordered to pay $2.3 million to victims and a $35,000 fine .
He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021 and placed in a conservatorship under his brother’s care. A judge later ruled he was mentally competent to face sentencing .
Girardi once handled the Pacific Gas & Electric groundwater litigation that inspired the film Erin Brockovich. He was disbarred in 2022 .
What Is Happening With Erika Jayne’s Divorce?
A divorce judge issued a warning to Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi in August 2026: wrap up the case or it gets thrown out .
A hearing is set for early 2027 where both parties must appear and explain why the divorce has been stalled for years. If the explanation is not convincing, the case will be dismissed with no final judgment .
Jayne filed for divorce in 2020 after 21 years of marriage. The proceedings were paused after both were named in fraud lawsuits .
During the RHOBH reunion, Jayne said she would ask Girardi “Why?” if she had the chance. “Why did he throw me out like that? I’m swimming under all of these lawsuits,” she said .
What Happens Next in the Erika Jayne Lawsuits?
The next major milestone is the divorce hearing in early 2027. The $18 million fashion lawsuit is also ongoing, with Jayne seeking dismissal .
Here is the likely sequence:
- Ongoing: $18 million Marco Marco lawsuit. Jayne’s motion to dismiss is pending .
- Early 2027: Divorce hearing. Judge orders Jayne and Girardi to explain delays or face dismissal .
- TBD: Settlement payment terms in the $25 million case remain confidential .
- TBD: Any appeal or refiling in the bankruptcy case. Dismissal was without prejudice .
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Erika Jayne settle the $25 million lawsuit?
Yes. Erika Jayne settled the $25 million bankruptcy lawsuit on May 21, 2026, days before trial .
The settlement amount was not disclosed, and the case was dismissed without prejudice.
How much did Erika Jayne pay to settle?
The settlement amount was not disclosed in court records or public statements .
The original claim sought $25 million plus interest.
What is the $18 million lawsuit against Erika Jayne?
Fashion designer Chris Psaila sued Jayne for $18 million, alleging she falsely told law enforcement he made fraudulent charges on her credit card .
Jayne denies the claims and is seeking dismissal.
Where is Tom Girardi now?
Tom Girardi is serving an 87-month federal prison sentence for wire fraud .
He was convicted in 2024 of stealing millions from his personal injury clients.
Is Erika Jayne still getting divorced?
Yes, but the divorce is stalled. A judge warned in August 2026 that the case could be dismissed if the parties do not explain the delays .
A hearing is set for early 2027.
What happened to the $25 million claim before settlement?
The trustee sold the claim to LHA Land LLC for $2 million in April 2026 .
The sale transferred the right to pursue Jayne for the full $25 million.
Did Erika Jayne know about Tom Girardi’s crimes?
Jayne has consistently denied knowing about her husband’s financial crimes .
In depositions, she said, “I did not know how much I spent per month or per year. Girardi Keese paid my Amex credit card bill every month” .
How much did Girardi Keese pay for Erika’s expenses?
Court filings show Girardi Keese paid at least $14 million in charges to Jayne’s American Express account between 2008 and 2020 .
The trustee claimed the total was over $25 million when including assistants and other expenses .
The $25 million case is settled, but the amount is secret. The $18 million fashion lawsuit and the stalled divorce are the next legal battles to watch. A divorce hearing in early 2027 could end the marriage case for good if the parties do not act. Check court records for updates, and do not trust anyone promising you money from these cases.
