The Coogan Law was enacted in 1938 [now Family Code section 6750 et seq.] in response to the childhood star Jackie Coogan’s plight. Even though he earned millions as a child, Coogan was surprised to find out that when he reached adulthood that he was flat broke, because his mother and stepfather spent all his […]
Okay For Trustee To Appear In Propria Persona.
The specific facts in this case are not important but the legal holding is. Relying on precedent, the trial court ruled that an executor or personal representative may not appear in propria persona in court proceedings outside the probate context on behalf of a decedent’s estate because representing another person or entity’s interest in a […]
Demurrer Granted In Legal Malpractice Action Reversed On Appeal.
This action involves a man who hired a law firm to represent him in connection with a petition to have him appointed as conservator of his mother’s person and estate. The woman’s son was appointed conservator and informed the court all of his mother’s assets were in trust, and, therefore, no bond was required. The […]
Trustee Personally Liable For Torts Only If Personally At Fault.
Plaintiff rented a room in an attached garage. The property was owned by a trust. She fell when exiting the house on some steps at night, and claimed the steps were in a dangerous condition because of a lack of lighting. The trustee brought a motion for summary judgment on the ground of lack of personal […]
Highest Bidder At A Trustee Sale Of Real Property, Too Good To Be True.
Plaintiff was the highest bidder at a trustee’s sale of real property, and he filed an action to quiet title. Two days after the sale, the trustee telephoned plaintiff and told him the sale was void because the trustee “did not offer the Property for a high enough bid amount.” The trustee returned plaintiff’s cashier’s check, […]
No Fees For Trustee Of Special Needs Trust.
Plaintiff served as trustee of a special needs trust for four and a half months. The trust specified that any trustee who succeeded the public guardian was not entitled to compensation. Nonetheless plaintiff billed the estate $108,771.07, and the trial court awarded him $51,285.63, likely because it was the court who had appointed that particular […]