An Arizona couple is amid a tense, expensive legal battle.  

Sam Meranto, a local Phoenix celebrity who rose to prominence for his self-help infomercials, and his wife of nearly 45 years Cynthia Meranto are currently fighting for control over their $2.6 million estate. 

According to Maricopa County Probate Court records obtained by The Arizona Republic, Sam, 94, as well as his three living children Jeffrey “Rico” Meranto, April Meranto and Jason Meranto—he welcomed six kids with his first wife Maria Meranto—have alleged that he is “terrified” of Cynthia’s effort to place him in a guardianship and conservatorship that will “deprive him of money, friendships and family.” They further expressed fear he will be “sent to a facility to die.” 

Cynthia, for her part, has stated in court documents obtained by The Arizona Republic that her husband is “unable to make meaningful decisions regarding his care and finance,” and that Rico and Jason had him removed from a care facility earlier this year without her knowledge and against her wishes.