Real Housewives Star Alexia Nepola Chooses a Guardian for Son Frankie in Finale

On the last episode of The Real Housewives of Miami Season 6, Alexia Nepola (formerly Alexia Echevarria) revealed who would be the guardian for her youngest son Frankie Rosello if she can no longer do so.

Frankie, who is now 25, was involved in a car accident when he was 13. He was in the passenger seat of a friend’s vehicle when the near-fatal crash occurred, leaving him with permanent brain damage. Fortunately, Frankie’s come a long way since the accident, including becoming a reality TV favorite on Bravo and Peacock.

Alexia has used the reality show as a platform to share her family’s journey through Frankie’s recovery. Her story is a reminder of how important it is to plan for the worst, especially when it comes to protecting your family.

Who Is Alexia Nepola?

The self-proclaimed “Cuban Barbie” is best known for her reality star status as an original and current cast member of The Real Housewives of Miami. Her parents traveled to the United States from Cuba and made Miami their permanent home. Alexia Nepola shares two sons with her first husband, Pedro Rosello. She was also married to businessman Herman Echevarria from 2004 to 2015. Together they launched the Miami luxury lifestyle magazine, “Venue.” Sadly, her ex-husband died from a heart attack in 2016, shortly after their separation.

Alexia is currently married to Todd Nepola, a successful real estate agent in Miami. He has appeared on multiple episodes of “The Real Housewives of Miami” since making his debut during RHOM Season 4. The show also currently stars Larsa Pippen, Lisa Hochstein, Guerdy Abraira, Adriana De Moura, Kiki Barth, Julia Lemigova, and Alexia’s best friend, Marysol Patton.

Why Does Alexia Nepola’s Son Need a Guardianship?

Earlier this year, Alexia appeared on Andy Cohen’s talk show, “Watch What Happens Live” and discussed Frankie’s recent progress. He overcame his fear of taking an Uber alone and works with his mom and brother at their family business, Alexia + Frankie’s Beauty Bar. Because Frankie is capable of using rideshare apps and working a job, it may seem like he doesn’t need a guardian. However, his brain injury from the car accident left him incapacitated. A legal guardian is necessary when a person becomes incapacitated and cannot make important decisions for themselves because of illness, disability, or age.

Alexia recently took steps to get her estate plan in order, including choosing someone to take care of Frankie in case something happens to her. She decided to name her eldest son, Peter Rosello, as Frankie’s next guardian. When choosing a guardian, it’s important to consider the following:

• Does the potential guardian have a good relationship with the person they will care for?
• What type of authority will the guardian have (especially regarding financial matters and health care decisions)
• Is the potential guardian known for being responsible, trustworthy, and honest?
• Does the potential guardian have a criminal history?
• Does the potential guardian have enough time to devote to the guardianship?
• Is the potential guardian in good health and physically able to care for another person?

Peter was once arrested for misdemeanor battery after an altercation with his ex-girlfriend, but the charges have since been dropped. He now works in commercial real estate and even launched his own lifestyle brand. Peter and Frankie have a close relationship and bond, so Peter would do anything to protect his little brother. When Alexia asked Peter to be Frankie’s backup guardian, his response said it all, “Of course, are you kidding me?”

As Frankie’s legal guardian, Peter has a legal duty to act in Frankie’s best interest. Peter must:

• Maintain Frankie’s well-being
• Make good financial and healthcare decisions on Frankie’s behalf
• Purchase necessities for Frankie like food, clothing, and other personal items
• Manage Frankie’s property and assets

If you have disabled or minor children, you can protect them by appointing a guardian in your estate plan. FindLaw’s do-it-yourself solutions make it easy to prepare a will, power of attorney, and health care directive.

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