Probate Administration: Friends Protest $2.7 Million Settlement

Friends of a deceased woman have objected to a proposed settlement regarding their friend’s probate case. The women allege that their friend was influenced by a police sergeant to make him the heir of her estate, which is valued at $2.7 million. The friends of the deceased woman want the probate administration judge to deny the proposed settlement because they believe their friend was unduly influenced as a result of her Alzheimer’s disease.

The settlement proposal would provide the police officer with a reduced inheritance amount of $425,000. The police department and fire department would receive 25 percent of what is left of the woman’s estate after lawyers, costs and beneficiaries are paid. The women are objecting to the proposal because they do not believe their friend’s 2012 will is legitimate, and they do not believe their friend had testamentary capacity at the time the will was made, due to her Alzheimer’s disease.

Allegedly, the woman left her estate to the police officer after he came to her house to investigate a prowler incident. The woman then told her friends she loved the officer and planned to leave him her home. Nevertheless, the police officer has denied the accusation that he influenced the woman to leave him her estate.

Whenever a Florida estate is being handled through probate administration, the judge who is ruling over the proceedings will strive to be as fair as possible in his or her efforts to carry out the decedent’s wishes. During this process, family members may come forward to argue that a previous will should supersede a later will or the other way around. At this time, legal arguments may be presented by either side to ensure that the estate is settled fairly and in accordance with their loved one’s wishes.

Source: Seacoastonline, “Friends object to settlement deal in Webber’s $2.7M estate” Elizabeth Dinan, Aug. 04, 2014