Peter Falk

Peter Falk

Columbo star Peter Falk's wife and adopted daughter are fighting over who will care for the ailing actor.

Last month (Dec08) Falk's adopted daughter, Catherine Falk, filed papers claiming her father has dementia and Alzheimer's disease and can no longer care for himself. Catherine is asking the court to name her his conservator.

But on Tuesday (20Jan08) Falk's second wife, Shera, fought back by filing her own court papers, insisting he should be allowed to remain at home with her.

She alleges her husband of 32 years never attended Catherine's wedding and has never met her children.

In documents obtained by TMZ.com, Shera adds, "(Falk is) happy and healthy under the current conditions at home," where she says she provides constant care for the ageing actor.

The American actor is best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the television series Colombo, playing the role of thirty five years.