In re the Estate of Connolly, No. A-3855-17T1, 2019 WL 1578804 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. Apr. 12, 2019). This case involves a purported will drafted by an attorney who never met the decedent.  The attorney drafted the will based on a telephone conversation he had with the decedent, who was then ninety (90) years […]

De Paul vs. Estate of De Paul, A-0887-16t2, 2019 WL 1831554 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. April 25, 2019). This action considered the reach of the entire controversy doctrine. The dispute stemmed from the disposition of a residential property in Mays Landing owned by the decedent, Catherine De Paul (“Catherine”). Catherine died testate in December […]

The Daily Mail reported that a Los Angeles judge ruled that Steve Bing and Elizabeth Hurley’s son Damian Hurley, 17, and his half-sister Kira Kerkorian, the daughter of Steve and former tennis pro Lisa Bonder, are beneficiaries to their grandfather,  Dr. Peter Bing’s, trust.  The trust is set to terminate in October 2020. Dr. Bing […]

Archer Partner Anthony R. La Ratta was recently appointed Chair of the National Conference of Lawyers and Corporate Fiduciaries Committee of the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section. His term will begin September 1. As Chair, Mr. La Ratta has overall leadership responsibility for the Committee, which focuses on the bar’s […]

Archer attorney, Melissa Osorio Dibble, a member of the firm’s Estate and Trust Litigation Group, was reappointed Vice-Chair of the Probate & Fiduciary Litigation Committee of the Litigation, Ethics and Malpractice Group of the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section. Her new term will begin September 1. As Vice-Chair, Ms. Dibble is a member […]

Archer Partner Steven K. Mignogna was recently appointed a Member of the following administrative committees within the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, effective September 1: Continuing Legal Education – The Continuing Legal Education Committee plans programs for the Section’s national meetings. Groups and Substantive Committees – The Committee on […]

Archer attorney Melissa Osorio Dibble has been installed as 2nd Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Estate and Financial Planning Council of Southern New Jersey (EFPCSNJ). Ms. Dibble was sworn in at the Council’s Annual Installation and Awards Dinner on June 13 at Tir Na Nog in Cherry Hill. Ms. Dibble previously […]

IMO Estate of Lucy G. Kershak, Docket Nos. A-2897-17T3, A-4402-17T3, 2019 WL 1976066 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. May 2, 2019) This case considers whether summary judgment is appropriate when a complaint opposing probate of a will is not timely filed. In 2008, the decedent executed a will prepared by her long-time attorney. The 2008 […]

In re Walker, 2019 PA Super 120, 2019 WL 1759792 (Pa. Super. Apr.22, 2019). This appeal deals with the standing for residual beneficiaries of a revocable trust. In July 2001, Pauline O. Walker (“decedent”) created a revocable trust, naming her daughters, Katherine W. Bantleon and Elizabeth W. Mecke (“the daughters”), as the residual beneficiaries.  Smithfield […]

In the Matter of the Estate of Dorothy Dreher, No. A-4800-17T3, 2019 WL 1512720 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. April 8, 2019). Dorothy Dreher had two children, David and Rebecca. David was the executor.  Rebecca filed a verified complaint to vacate the probate judgment on grounds of undue influence and lack of capacity.  After four […]