Recently a Missouri jury resolved a deceased real estate magnate’s estate by finding his socialite widow had used undue influence to gain control of his company. The “high-stakes drama” had a cast of characters, that included politically connected attorneys and allegations of a manipulative second wife that unduly influenced her ailing husband to change control of the ownership interest in his company just a few months before he died. Although the wife claimed that the decedent’s children had not been attentive to their father in the years before his death, the particularly damning evidence was from the decedent’s long-time lawyer, who kept notes about his client’s deterioration and the wife’s “relentless yelling and screaming” over estate amendments.
The case emphasizes the incredible value of long-term relationships with good counsel. I’m proud to work with attorneys that have represented some clients for decades, looking out for their interests all that time. It is an honor and a responsibility that we take seriously.
