Thomas Kinkade's estate granted restraining order against painter's girlfriend

Artist Thomas Kinkade unveils his painting, "Prayer For Peace," at the opening of the exhibit "From Abraham to Jesus," in Atlanta, Sept. 15, 2006.

/ AP

(CBS/AP) MONTE SERENO, Calif. - A California judge has issued a restraining order against the girlfriend of late painter Thomas Kinkade.

The order against Amy Pinto-Walsh was sought by Kinkade's company, Windermere Holdings, which claimed she broke a confidentiality agreement by talking to reporters after Kinkade was found dead and threatening to reveal his secrets.

Pictures: Thomas Kinkade, "Painter of Light"

Windermere Holdings is acting as trustee and executor of the Kinkade Family Trust.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, a request for a restraining order filed by the holding company said, "This threat is not just a mean-spirited act of betrayal, but a calculated attempt to garner money and fame at the expense of the grieving Kinkade family, including his wife and four daughters."

The paper reports that a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge granted the 15-day restraining order on April 16.

Pinto-Walsh did not return calls for comment from the Mercury News on Tuesday.

Kinkade died earlier this month at his home in Santa Clara County. He was 54.

His brother, Patrick, has said Kinkade battled alcoholism and relapsed before his death. He also said decades of attacks on his work and a split with his wife two years ago had taken a toll on the self-described "Painter of Light."

17 Photos

Thomas Kinkade, "Painter of Light"

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kinkade's art is forever!

Thomas Kinkade Jigsaw Puzzles Collection 12
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