Their Family Is Facing a Really Tough Time

If you're a Real Housewives of New Jersey fan, you know that Teresa and Joe Giudice's court date is but a few weeks away — on Sept. 23 to be exact. It's then, in a courtroom in Newark, New Jersey, that the reality TV couple who cavalierly thought they could skirt the law, will learn if they're going to prison and for how long. Many people would be more than happy to see the Giudices — both of them — be sent off to jail for a few years after being charged with around 40 counts of fraud. But there is one little thing to keep in mind before rooting against the Giudices: they've got four daughters who could potentially be left without parents during those years. Not cool.

It seems to be the general consensus that Teresa and Joe probably won't wind up going to jail at the same time because of their children. In fact, the couple reportedly asked, if they are both sentenced to prison, to serve their time consecutively, as opposed to simultaneously, so their girls aren't left alone. But there is a chance, regardless of how small, that Teresa and Joe will wind up going to jail at the same time. And if that were to happen, who would get custody of their girls?

Teresa has never directly addressed the issue, as clearly it's difficult to talk about, but odds are, her parents would be the people to care for their girls. They're often seen on RHONJ watching their four granddaughters. Teresa's brother, Joe Gorga, who she's currently on good terms with, has made it clear that he and his wife, Melissa, would step up to the plate, need be, as would Teresa's cousin, Kathy Wakile. But there have been reports that Teresa would "rather die" than leave her children with Melissa. Of course, this was reported last year, when Teresa and Melissa were on bad terms, but still — I can't imagine Teresa leaving her kids with Melissa over her mother.

Hopefully, this won't be an issue. I certainly think the Giudices need to face the consequences of their actions, but sheesh; their kids didn't do anything wrong. Let's hope for the best for them.

Image: Teresa Giudice/Instagram