Sunday, January 12, 2025
Wife of late Padres owner Peter Seidler sues for control of team
Sheel Seidler, the widow of San Diego Padres chairman Peter Seidler, has filed a lawsuit against her late husband's brothers, Robert and Matthew Seidler, accusing them of fiduciary breaches and self-dealing as executors of Peter's estate. She claims they ostracized her and her three children from the organization after Peter’s death in November 2023. Sheel opposes the Padres' decision to appoint Peter’s older brother, John Seidler, as the team’s control person, asserting it contradicts Peter’s wishes and her own role as the largest individual stakeholder. In her lawsuit, Sheel seeks to be named control person, citing her position as the sole beneficiary of the Seidler Trusts, which own a significant share of the franchise.
The Seidler Trust refutes Sheel's claims, arguing that Peter's estate plan explicitly excluded her from serving as trustee or control person, a stance she allegedly agreed to in a sworn 2020 document. The trust also notes Sheel’s past support for John Seidler's leadership. Despite this, Sheel's complaint accuses Robert and Matthew of misleading her, mismanaging trust assets, and undermining Peter’s legacy. Sheel alleges they used trust funds to intimidate her and excluded her from the team's operations and legacy events. She further claims that a handwritten note from Peter prioritized her and their children as successors, a document she contends has been ignored.
Under Peter’s leadership, the Padres grew into a financial powerhouse, achieving competitive success and fan engagement. Sheel argues she is best positioned to carry forward Peter's vision, emphasizing her dedication to the team's future and her children’s eventual inheritance. She believes her exclusion jeopardizes the family's legacy and aims to honor Peter’s dream of bringing championships to San Diego. Meanwhile, John Seidler’s appointment as control person is pending MLB owners' approval, which could occur at their February meeting.
For more information see Alden Gonzalez "Wife of late Padres owner Peter Seidler sues for control of team" ESPN, January 6, 2025.
Special thanks to Deborah S. Gordon (Professor of Law, Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.
January 12, 2025 in Current Affairs, Estate Planning - Generally, Trusts, Wills | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Happy Halloween!
Many law school classes have one or more holidays which are especially relevant.
For example, Family Law has Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, Labor Law has Labor Day, Environmental Law has Earth Day, Military Law has Memorial Day, and Law and Religion has Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, etc.
Halloween, with its fascination with death, may be the most relevant holiday to those of us interested in wills, trusts, estates, probate, and estate planning.
So, however you celebrate, have fun and be safe!
October 31, 2024 in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thursday, October 3, 2024
John Amos' Daughter Reveals She Learned About His Death From The News: 'Devastated'
Shannon Amos is sharing that, despite her father reportedly having passed away in August, she only heard the news on Tuesday — “through the media,” like the rest of the world — after her brother K.C. Amos announced it. K.C. confirmed in his announcement Tuesday that his father died of natural causes at 84 years old in his Los Angeles home. K.C. himself has been embroiled in a bitter battle with his sister since at least last summer.
Shannon reportedly launched a GoFundMe in June 2023 in what she said was an effort to raise money for her father’s care, claiming that he had “fallen victim to elder abuse and exploitation” by a “trusted caregiver.” In March, she filed a complaint with the Los Angeles Police Department. Law enforcement sources told TMZ at the time that these accusations regarded K.C. K.C. and his father denied these claims (John Amos told Parade in a statement that he was “doing well”), but Shannon told The Hollywood Reporter in November that she provided Colorado and New Jersey police with documentation proving otherwise.
She also reportedly alleged that K.C. was exerting control over his father and his business affairs, had impersonated the actor in various communications, and had disregarded his medical needs while isolating the elderly actor from the rest of his family. K.C. told the Reporter in November that his sister was lying in an effort to make their father appear “unfit.” He also announced that he was developing a documentary about the actor titled “American Dad,” a moniker he earned from his iconic “Good Times” performance.
Special thanks to Laura Galvan (Attorney, San Antonio, Texas) for bringing this article to my attention.
October 3, 2024 in Current Affairs, Elder Law, Estate Planning - Generally | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Naomi Campbell barred from being charity trustee in England and Wales
British supermodel Naomi Campbell has been barred from being a charity trustee in England and Wales for five years after the poverty charity she founded nearly two decades ago was deemed Thursday to have been “poorly governed” with “inadequate financial management.”
For example, it said that thousands of pounds worth of charity funds were used to pay for a luxury hotel stay in Cannes, France, for Campbell as well as spa treatments, room service and even cigarettes. The regulator sought explanations from the trustees but said no evidence was provided to back up their explanation that hotel costs were typically covered by a donor to the charity, therefore not costing the charity.
The charity, which was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, was dissolved and removed from the register of charities earlier this year. On its website, which is still active, the charity said that it presented fashion initiatives and projects in New York, London, Cannes, Moscow, Mumbai and Dar es Salaam, raising more than $15 million for good causes around the world.
The charity had been set up with the aim of uniting the fashion industry to relieve poverty and advance health and education, by making grants to other organizations and giving resources towards global disasters.
The commission said that around 344,000 pounds ($460,000) has been recovered and that a further 98,000 pounds of charitable funds have been protected. These funds were used to make donations to two other charities and settle outstanding liabilities.
“I am pleased that the inquiry has seen donations made to other charities which this charity has previously supported,” said the regulator’s Hopkins.
For more information see Pan Pylas and Marine Lesprit "Naomi Campbell barred from being charity trustee in England and Wales" AP News, September 26, 2024.
October 1, 2024 in Current Affairs, Estate Planning - Generally, Trusts | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday, September 30, 2024
Richard Simmons' family hits back after longtime housekeeper files to be reinstated as co-trustee of estate
Richard Simmons' family has expressed strong disapproval of Teresa Reveles, his longtime housekeeper, for filing a petition to be reinstated as co-trustee of his estate. Reveles, who worked for Simmons for 36 years, claims she was pressured into signing documents that removed her as co-trustee shortly after Simmons passed away. The family, however, has described her actions as motivated by "greed" and believes Simmons would be "heartbroken" by her alleged betrayal of their decades-long friendship.
The family’s spokesperson emphasized that Simmons took great care of Reveles and ensured she was provided for in his will, even though she chose to decline her role as co-trustee. They accuse her of acting against the best interests of the estate and tarnishing Simmons' legacy. Furthermore, they claim Reveles is staying in Simmons’ house despite owning her own residence and has attempted to charge the estate for her living expenses. They also noted concerns over a documentary Reveles allegedly pitched to Netflix, which the family believes could harm Simmons’ legacy.
In her petition, Reveles argues that Simmons’ brother and sister-in-law pressured her into signing away her role as co-trustee while she was emotionally distraught following Simmons' death. She claims she feared losing her inheritance if she did not comply. The family maintains these allegations are false and views her legal actions as a waste of the estate's assets. They are confident the court will reject Reveles' petition once the full facts are presented.
For more information see Lauryn Overhultz "Richard Simmons' family hits back after longtime housekeeper files to be reinstated as co-trustee of estate" Fox News, September 26, 2024.
September 30, 2024 in Current Affairs, Estate Administration, Estate Planning - Generally, Wills | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday, September 2, 2024
Billionaire's ex-wife makes claim about his pregnant new fiancée
John Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, is embroiled in a legal battle with his estranged wife, Jenny Paulson, who has accused his new fiancée, Alina de Almeida, of orchestrating a plan to gain access to his $5.1 billion fortune. Jenny's legal team claims that Alina's pregnancy is a calculated move to secure financial benefits by expanding the class of beneficiaries to include the child, potentially causing financial harm to the daughters Paulson shares with Jenny. The couple's divorce proceedings began in 2021 after Jenny discovered Paul's relationship with Alina, and tensions have escalated as Paulson has since proposed to Alina.
Jenny's amended complaint argues that the pregnancy violates Domestic Relations Law by allowing a child born outside the marriage to potentially receive distributions from the trust established during their marriage. The complaint also accuses Paulson of violating the law by starting a new family while still legally married, which could create discord between his daughters and any future children. A source close to the case questions whether Paulson and Alina considered the potential financial benefits of having a child out of wedlock during the ongoing divorce.
In response, Paulson's attorney, Marilyn Chinitz, has denied the allegations and accused Jenny of attempting to enrich herself at the expense of her daughters. Chinitz argues that despite Jenny remaining one of the wealthiest women in the world post-divorce, she continues to push for more money out of a sense of humiliation that her daughters might be worth more than her. She asserts that the trusts will ensure the financial security of both Paulson's and Jenny's children for generations and urges Jenny to move on rather than prolong the legal battle.
For more information see Alexa Cimino "Billionaire's ex-wife makes claim about his pregnant new fiancée" Dailymail.com, August 30, 2024.
Special thanks to Laura Galvan (Attorney, San Antonio, Texas) for bringing this article to my attention.
September 2, 2024 in Current Affairs, Estate Planning - Generally, Trusts, Wills | Permalink | Comments (0)
Saturday, August 31, 2024
‘ER’ creator Michael Crichton’s estate sues Warner Bros. over upcoming hospital drama ‘The Pitt’
The estate of Michael Crichton has sued Warner Bros. Television, claiming that the studio is producing a new medical drama, "The Pitt," as a rebranded and unauthorized reboot of Crichton’s iconic show "ER." After failing to reach an agreement with Warner Bros. to produce an official "ER" reboot, Crichton's estate, led by his widow Sherri, alleges that the studio proceeded with "The Pitt" without their consent.
"The Pitt" is set in Pittsburgh, featuring Noah Wyle, who starred as John Carter in "ER," along with other "ER" alums like executive producer John Wells and showrunner R. Scott Gemmill, all named in the lawsuit. Warner Bros. denies the claims, stating that "The Pitt" is an original show.
Crichton had a "frozen rights" provision in his contract, preventing Warner Bros. from making any derivatives of "ER" without his or his estate's approval. The estate argues that Warner Bros. violated this agreement, and the lawsuit seeks to halt production of "The Pitt" and demands punitive and compensatory damages.
The dispute began when Warner Bros. started developing an "ER" reboot for HBO's Max in 2020 without informing Sherri Crichton. Negotiations broke down in 2022, leading to the creation of "The Pitt." The estate’s lawsuit claims that Warner Bros. has a history of diminishing Crichton's contributions, citing a similar incident with his "Westworld" series credit.
For more information see Associated Press's "‘ER’ creator Michael Crichton’s estate sues Warner Bros. over upcoming hospital drama ‘The Pitt’" New York Post, August 28, 2024.
Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.
August 31, 2024 in Current Affairs, Estate Planning - Generally, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)
Friday, August 23, 2024
Alain Delon’s family refuse to put down pet dog the actor wanted to be buried with
French actor Alain Delon, renowned for his roles in classics like "The Leopard," passed away at the age of 88. Before his death, Delon had expressed a heartfelt wish for his Belgian Shepherd dog, Loubo, to be euthanized and buried alongside him. In a 2018 interview, he described Loubo as his "end-of-life" companion and spoke of their deep bond, stating he wanted the dog to be put to sleep in his arms if he died first. This request, however, sparked significant controversy in France, particularly among animal welfare organizations.
Following the public outcry, Delon's family decided not to honor his unusual request. They confirmed that Loubo would remain with the family at Delon's Douchy residence. French animal welfare groups, including the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA), had strongly opposed the idea, arguing that an animal's life should not be conditional on that of a human. These organizations also offered to help find a new home for Loubo if needed, ensuring the dog would continue to live in good health.
For more information see Niamh Kennedy "Alain Delon’s family refuse to put down pet dog the actor wanted to be buried with" CNN.com, August 21, 2024.
August 23, 2024 in Current Affairs, Death Event Planning, Estate Planning - Generally, Wills | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Woman’s daughter, son-in-law charged with exploitation at nursing home
Authorities say a Clay County woman’s daughter and son-in-law threatened to leave her in a nursing home until she signed over all her property and power of attorney to them, and earlier had filed paperwork to obtain deeds to her land, home and mineral rights.
The charges alleging exploitation of an elderly person and making false statements to obtain property were filed after the victim obtained an attorney who notified the sheriff’s office of the alleged attempts to obtain control of the woman’s property in Joy while she was in a care center in Henrietta.
She said her son-in-law came to take her home on the day she was to be released but asked her to sign some documents before leaving the center. The documents would have relinquished her home, property, and mineral rights, which were worth more than $300,000, to the couple.
She said she declined, and William became angry and said that if she did not sign, he would leave her in the center until she did, and she would have to pay her bills from the center. Then he left her.
Authorities say medical records show the victim is fully competent to manage her affairs and that Adult Protective Services advised they are opening a case of criminal activity against the couple on the victim’s behalf.
For more information see Larry Statser "Woman’s daughter, son-in-law charged with exploitation at nursing home" SmartNews, August 8, 2024.
Special thanks to Laura Galvan (Attorney, San Antonio, Texas) for bringing this article to my attention.
August 11, 2024 in Current Affairs, Elder Law, Estate Administration, Estate Planning - Generally, Guardianship | Permalink | Comments (0)
Friday, August 9, 2024
Succession lessons of the Murdochs’ dynastic drama
Rupert Murdoch is attempting to amend his family trust to give his son Lachlan full control over Fox and News Corp, fearing that his more moderate children might challenge Lachlan's leadership. Murdoch believes that Lachlan's conservative approach is crucial for the company's success, even though research shows that appointing a family member as CEO can negatively impact business performance. This move reflects the complexities of dynastic succession, where the founder's desire for continuity may conflict with what's best for the company.
The article also touches on the broader implications of family-run businesses, particularly in politically influential industries like media. With two-thirds of companies globally being family-controlled, how succession is managed can have far-reaching effects beyond corporate governance, potentially influencing the nature of the news and political content these companies produce. The uncertainty surrounding family dynamics makes the outcome of Murdoch's decision unpredictable, despite his hopes for a seamless transition.
For more information see The editorial board, "Succession lessons of the Murdochs’ dynastic drama" The Financial Times, August 2, 2024.
Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.
August 9, 2024 in Current Affairs, Trusts | Permalink | Comments (0)