Stanley Pedder of Lafayette reported an interesting out-of-county (Alameda) case to me. Stanley tried the case, Estate of Irene O. Sparkman, Alameda Superior Court, Case No. 253825-1, before the Honorable David Lee.
Apparently, Sparkman died, leaving a copy of a formal will with her original signature but not witnessed. She left the bulk of her estate ($1.3 mission) to her granddaughters. Her daughter filed for Letters of Administration, claiming there was no will, and therefore she should take the entire estate.
The whole family got together in an attempt to settle. A settlement was reached, then repiudiated by (you guessed it) the daughter. At trail, the court ordered the settlement agreement enforced.
One interesting note: at trial, a nephew testified that the daughter (yes, the same one) had given the keys to Sparkman’s home and safe that that he had found a will signed by Sparkman and two witnesses. He was told to destroy the will and did. (Any guesses as to who wanted that will destroyed?)
What do you think?
