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Former prostitute wins estate challenge for child support

by | May 15, 2013 | Estate Administration And Probate |

Readers of the blog and those who watch California current events are aware of the Silicon Valley millionaire who was killed in a home invasion last year and the drama that has surrounded his estate since his death. After his death, a woman came forward and claimed that he was the father of her two girls, ages seven and nine. Though the man’s family adamantly denied the allegations, a San Jose court has sided with the woman and awarded her a monthly support amount of $1,800 for each of her daughters.

The woman told a compelling story about the controversial millionaire, who was notorious for his unconventional marriage and lifestyle, often cavorting with prostitutes in the same house where his ex-wife still lived. She claimed that despite his sordid tendencies, the man was much like a father to the daughters, and paid her a monthly amount of $3,000 to $5,000 to keep up a nice home for herself and their children. She said she had been dependent on these payments as her primary means of support for at least a decade.

While the court has ordered the man’ estate to pay the monthly allowance, there may be more at stake for the children in legal proceedings to come. The children could also be the rightful heirs to half of his estate, which is currently in the possession of the man’s two adult daughters, both in their 30’s. The adult daughters have denied that he was the father to the children and made claims that the girls were the result of an artificial insemination operation, but there has been no credible evidence to suggest this allegation is true.

The proceedings could continue for a considerable period of time, and will be interesting to follow. Readers of the blog should make sure their own wills and estate plans up to date, and should always consult with an experienced estates and trusts attorney to ensure their legal documents are sufficient and accurate.

Source: Merycurynews.com “Monte Sereno murder: Prostitute’s daughters have valid claim on millionaire’s estate, judge rules,” Julia Prodis Sulek, May 1, 2013

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