Author: Kelly M. Barry
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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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11.28.2023
Pennsylvania Superior Court Denies Will Executed Virtually During COVID-19 Pandemic
In re Estate of Susan L. Kittler, No. J-A20028-23, 2023 PA Super 180 (Pa. Super. Sept. 25, 2023) This case focuses on a will that was prepared and executed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lancaster County Register of Wills denied the will for probate, determining that the document was not executed properly […]
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10.12.2023
The “Big Man’s” Trust Dispute
The famed saxophonist of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band died in 2011 from a stroke. Clemons, oftentimes called the “Big Man”, established a trust to control his assets when he died. Specifically, the trust required that the rights to his name and likeness be managed by the trust until his youngest son, Jarod, reached age […]
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09.29.2023
Former Zappos CEO Died Intestate (Celebrity Estate Plans: Part 10)
At only 46 years old, Zappos founder Tony Hsieh tragically died in a house fire in November 2020. He did not execute a Will before he died, which led to an ongoing battle between his family and business colleagues. Specifically, Hseih’s father, Richard, and brother, Andrew, alleged that friends and business associates took advantage of […]
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09.25.2023
Presley Estate Served With $3.8 Million by Creditor (Celebrity Estate Plans: Part 9)
On September 18, 2023, one month after settling a trust dispute, the Estate of Lisa Marie Presley was notified of an alleged outstanding $3.8 million loan against it. Naussany Investments & Private Lending, LLC filed a lawsuit alleging Ms. Presley, the sole child of rock n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, used her interest in Elvis […]
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07.27.2023
“You Better ‘Think’ About Preparing an Estate Plan”- Celebrity Estate Plans (Part 8): Aretha Franklin
When legendary musician Aretha Franklin died in 2018, her family believed she did not have a Will. When going through her home in May 2019, two handwritten documents were discovered that appeared to express her last wishes. Three of Franklin’s four sons, Kecalf, Edward, and Ted, disputed which document should prevail as her will. Her […]
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07.27.2023
August is National “Make-a-Will” Month!
Having a Will and other estate planning documents prepared is rarely top of mind. However, August is National “Make-a-Will” month and the perfect time to consider arranging your estate plan (or reviewing a previously drafted estate plan to ensure it reflects your current wishes) before the busyness of the fall and the end of 2023 […]
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06.13.2023
Celebrity Estate Plans (Part 7): Chadwick Boseman
World-renowned 42 and Black Panther actor Chadwick Bowman died in September 2020 after a 4-year battle with colon cancer. Mr. Boseman did not have a Will when he died at the young age of 43. Fortunately, all accounts reveal that Mr. Boseman’s spouse and the appointed Administrator of his estate, Taylor Simone Ledward, applied to […]
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