Teresa Giudice Says Ex Joe Giudice Isn’t Helping Pay Daughter's College Tuition — but New Husband Luis Ruelas Is

On the May 19 episode of 'RHONJ,' Teresa told cameras that Joe was "still trying to get his life together" in the Bahamas after getting deported for fraud charges in 2019

Teresa Giudice dropped a co-parenting bombshell about her ex-husband Joe Giudice's financial contributions.

On the May 19 episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, the former couple's daughters Gia and Gabriella Giudice called their father on FaceTime as Gabriella opened up about her plans to pursue higher education at the University of Michigan.

"I’m excited. I’m taking an economics course first semester, so I’m excited to learn about that because that’s what I’m planning on majoring in," she smiled before Gia added, "She’s gonna handle your finances, dad. She’ll make sure everything’s stored away."

Related: RHONJ's Melissa Gorga Calls Out Teresa Giudice and Jennifer Aydin for Their 'Gross' and ‘Embarrassing' Behavior

In a conversation with cameras, a producer asked Teresa, 52, if her ex-husband was planning on helping her with their daughter's tuition fees.

"Joe’s not helping. He can’t right now," she explained. "Joe’s still trying to get his life together in the Bahamas, but it’s okay. I’m thankful I can pay for it."

While Joe, 51, won't be pitching in, Teresa revealed that her husband Luis "Louie" Ruelas is helping her with financing.

"Out of all my daughters, Gabriella’s the one who wants to spread her wings and I can see her living in another country," Teresa added. "So this is beginning of her leaving and I don’t know if she will come home after she graduates. I’m totally fine with hit because I will be visiting her. But I need to cherish every single moment that I have with her."

In 2013, Joe and Teresa — who also share daughters Audriana, 14, and Milania, 18 — were indicted on federal fraud charges and took turns serving time in prison. Teresa served an 11-month jail sentence before Joe served 41 months and was later deported to his native Italy in 2019, even though he lived his whole life in the United States. He currently lives in The Bahamas.

Related: Gia Giudice Looks Back on Parents Teresa and Joe's Legal Troubles with New Appreciation: 'It Was Not Easy' (Exclusive)

The duo's experiences with immigration law has inspired Gia to pursue law school. In February 2023, Gia revealed her plans to work for attorney Kathleen Martinez — a virtual immigration lawyer who serves the community in all 50 American states.

"You're never going to guess who I just hired," Martinez wrote in a TikTok video. Alongside a photo of Gia, the attorney added, "The next generation."

In the comments section, Martinez praised Gia for her passion for immigration rights. "She wants to help immigrants more than people realize," she said. "Her heart is so big for that."

Following the family's legal ordeal, Teresa started dated Louie in 2020. They tied the knot on Aug. 6, 2022 in front of 220 guests at the Park Chateau Estate & Gardens in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and have seamlessly blended families since.

"The girls embrace Louie, and it's beautiful," Teresa previously told PEOPLE of bringing their families together.

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The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.

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