General Hospital alum Brandon Barash wins emergency restraining order against ex Kirsten Storms amid mental health concerns for their 12-year-old daughter
Brandon Barash has obtained an emergency restraining order against ex-wife Kirsten Storms, alleging a mental health crisis and housing instability that prompted the court to limit Storms to supervised visitation while a judge reviews the case this week.
- An emergency restraining order was granted: Barash asked for a mental health evaluation and supervised visits; the court issued an emergency order. (Sources: TV Insider, TMZ)
- Allegations of delusions, hallucinations and substance concerns: Court filings say Storms reported delusions and hallucinations and a friend reported episodes of hearing voices and possible Adderall misuse. (Sources: TV Insider, TMZ)
- Housing instability noted: Filings describe frequent hotel stays, eviction notices and claims of break-ins across 2024–2026. (Sources: TV Insider, TMZ, Geo.tv)
Background and allegations
Barash’s petition, filed in December 2025 and granted as an emergency order in spring 2026, details incidents from late 2024 through 2025 that he says pose a risk to the couple’s daughter. In May 2025, Barash says Storms contacted him and described experiencing delusions and hallucinations, telling him she didn’t feel fit to parent during her scheduled time.
The filings assert a friend reported Storms had “repeated episodes of melting down, being triggered, hearing things/voices that weren’t there,” and that the friend believed Storms was abusing Adderall and possibly other substances. Barash asked the court to require a formal mental health evaluation. (Sources: TV Insider, TMZ)
Hospitalization and behavioral notes
Barash’s filings say his current wife, Isabella Devoto, helped arrange Storms’ hospitalization and a psychiatric hold; the documents assert that once released Storms “acted as if nothing had happened.” The petition describes a period of transience from September 2024 through June 2025, with frequent hotel stays and claims that people were following her and her child. (Source: TV Insider)
Housing instability and related concerns
Court records describe landlord lawsuits, eviction notices and a lack of permanent residence through much of 2025. Barash alleges Storms told him in November 2025 that people were breaking into her apartment and leaving items in her car to “mess with her.” In April 2026, Storms posted doorbell-camera footage she said showed an attempted break-in and later shared that an eviction notice had been placed on her door. (Source: TV Insider)
The filings also include a claim that Barash loaned Storms $5,000 for a car that had not been repaid, cited as part of a broader pattern of concern. (Source: TV Insider)
Recent public claims and current legal status
Storms, who has played Maxie Jones on General Hospital since 2005, announced a hiatus last year and moved from Los Angeles to Nashville with their daughter, citing health struggles. After a six-month break she returned to the show. (Source: TV Insider)
Current order: A judge granted an emergency restraining order permitting only supervised visitation and barring unsupervised access to the couple’s daughter while the court evaluates next steps. A hearing to review the order is scheduled this week. (Sources: TV Insider, TMZ, Soap Opera Digest)
Legal, medical and custody context
Emergency restraining orders are temporary tools courts use to protect a person or a child when immediate risk is alleged. In interstate custody matters, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) may govern which state’s court has authority. Future custody steps can include additional hearings and court-ordered mental health evaluations if a judge deems them necessary.
Medical context: Mental health professionals emphasize that allegations of delusions, hallucinations or substance misuse require confidential, clinical assessment. Court filings represent one side of a dispute; formal diagnoses must come from qualified clinicians following evaluation.
Professional background
Brandon Barash is known for roles on General Hospital and Days of Our Lives. Kirsten Storms has portrayed Maxie Jones on General Hospital since 2005. The couple were married from 2013 to 2016 and share a daughter, Harper, who is 12 years old. (Source: Geo.tv, Soap Opera Digest)
Implications for San Diego, California
- Local family safety: The case illustrates how parents can seek emergency court action when they believe a child is at immediate risk. San Diego families should contact child welfare or family court services for guidance rather than relying on social media.
- Cross-state custody: Moves across state lines can complicate jurisdiction; parents in San Diego should consult family law attorneys familiar with the UCCJEA for interstate custody questions.
- Mental health resources: Allegations of hallucinations or substance misuse highlight the importance of crisis clinics, school-based services and early intervention; reporting concerns to medical professionals or law enforcement can protect children and adults.
- Entertainment-community effects: High-profile cases may prompt employers, unions and community programs in Southern California to examine mental health, housing stability and family-safety supports for workers.
- Practical steps for parents: Keep records of concerning behavior, obtain medical documentation when relevant, consider supervised exchanges, and seek legal counsel early in child-safety disputes.
Sources and further reading
- TV Insider: General Hospital star Kirsten Storms restraining order coverage
- TMZ: Coverage of restraining order
- Geo.tv: Background on marriage and child
- Soap Opera Digest: Reporting on Barash’s restraining order
Reporting compiled from public court filings and media reports cited above. Representatives for Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash did not immediately respond to requests for comment reported in source coverage.
“didn’t think she should have the child for her parenting time.” — quoted from Barash’s court filings describing Storms’ statements
