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04.01.2024
Doctrine of Laches Properly Applied Where Verified Complaint filed Over a Decade After Decedent’s Death
In re Estate of Dornic, Docket No. 2414-21 (N.J. Super. App. Div. Feb. 27, 2024) This case concerns a complaint that was dismissed under the doctrine of laches. The Appellate Division affirmed. Olga Dornic (“Decedent”) died intestate on February 3, 2008. The Decedent was never married, had no children, and left no living parents, siblings, […]
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03.29.2024
New Jersey Statutes Closing “Black Hole” of Litigation to be Applied Retroactively
Roik v. Roik, Docket No. A-2522-21 (N.J. Super. App. Div. Nov. 27, 2023) In August 2020, plaintiff Paul Roik (“Paul”) filed for divorce from defendant Anita Roik (“Anita”), his spouse of 46 years. The couple had three children together, all of whom are adults. In 2013, long before filing for divorce, Paul had executed a […]
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03.26.2024
Will Contest Based on Decedent’s Ability to Speak English Rejected
In re Estate of Bardizbanian, Docket No. A-3370-21 (N.J. Super. App. Div. Mar. 5, 2024) Siran Bardizbanian (“Decedent”) died on March 9, 2021. Decedent’s daughter, Maggie, sought to reject Decedent’s November 6, 2000 will (“2000 Will”), which disinherited her. Decedent’s son, Gary, was a proponent of the 2000 Will, of which he was the named […]
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03.22.2024
Appellate Division Invokes Cy Pres Doctrine to Further Decedent’s Charitable Intent
Matter of Estate of Heinecke, No. A-3604-21, 2024 WL 1125186 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. March 15, 2024) This case centers around the modification of a will under the cy pres doctrine. Barbara Heinecke (“Decedent”) died testate on April 9, 2021. The relevant portion of her Last Will and Testament dated January 19, 2012 (“Will”) […]
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