Last week I attended the Santa Monica Bar Association’s Trust and Probate section a lunch and learn session.
I have been attending these meetings off and on for a few years and sometimes the information really makes me appreciate how nicely my family and my clients conduct their affairs.
When you read the story I am about to share, I hope you can say that you are shocked beyond belief. If you can’t say that, we might be hearing about your estate in an upcoming meeting.
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Estate of Ben-Ali
In this case, the decedent died of a drug overdose in 2004, but his father had concealed the body until 2008.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Prior to his son’s overdose, the father had forged his son’s signature on numerous documents. The body was only discovered in 2008, when the father committed suicide. At that time a typewritten, will supposedly signed by the son, was found among the father’s possessions. The alleged witness to the will was the son’s wife.
The will named the son’s father as executor and the father received all of the son’s property. The son’s mother probated the will and the wife opposed it.
The decedent was 34 years old at his death, did not discuss the will with anyone, there was a lack of testimony as to how the typewritten will was prepared, there was evidence that the father had forged the decedent’s signature following his death, and there is existence of financial motives for the father to forge the will.
What do you think the outcome will be?
Here is your up to the minute real estate market info:
There are thirteen homes available to buy North of Montana Ave with 452 21st Pl and 622 hitting the MLS in the last two days. There are eight homes in escrow. Closed sales went up to seven homes year-to-date with 507 12th St and 217 21st St closing within the last week. 507 12th St was sold by Pence Hathorn Silver and 21st was listed and sold by Pence Hathorn Silver.
New Listings this Week
452 21st Pl. - 2bd + 2ba. $2,678,000. Unique 9,000+ sq. ft. (usually they are 8,949). This will probably sell for over $3 million. Last sold in November 1988 for $900,000.
622 26th St. - 4bd + 2ba. $1,795,000. First time on the market in many years. Traditional in the Franklin School District. Den could be converted to 4th bedroom. Large grassy backyard. Last sold in May 2001.
New Sales this Week
530 17th St. - 5bd + 8ba. $4,595,000. Enormous 3 level Mediterranean. Rumored to have sold for full price. Last sold in May 2007 for $3,869,000.
New Closed Deals this Week
507 12th St. - 5bd + 5ba. $4,195,000. Sold by Pence Hathorn Silver. SOLD IN TWO DAYS!
217 21st St. - 4bd + 4.5ba. $3,150,000. Listed and sold by Pence Hathorn Silver.
Pence Hathorn Silver Active Properties:
2009 La Mesa – 6bd + 8ba - $18,900,000
502 16th St. – 5bd + 7.5ba - $8,495,000
6415 Meadows Court – 6bd + 7ba - $5,995,000
601 17th St. – 5bd + 6ba - $4,600,000
728 25th St. – 5bd + 6.5ba - $4,595,000
416 Entrada Dr. – 3bd + 1.75ba - $1,595,000
Search for more homes, see real time analytics and learn about the North Santa Monica / North of Montana Ave. community on our North of Montana blog. Add your comments (scroll down to the “Add Your Comment” section) and read other blogs. And please call my mobile phone (310) 924-4014 with any questions.
