NC Fiduciary Litigation Commentary
The tragic case unfolding in Clovis, New Mexico — where 19-year-old Darren Munoz is accused of hiring a friend to murder his father and stepmother so he could allegedly secure an inheritance — highlights how dangerous financial misconceptions and family conflict can become. Investigators say Munoz believed his father owned a convenience-store franchise and that…
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Unexpected inheritances often reveal more than just what appears in a will—they expose family dynamics, long-standing fractures, and the profound impact of companionship. A recent story shared on Reddit illustrates just how complicated these matters can become. According to the poster, they developed a close friendship with their elderly neighbor after moving to a new…
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When legendary actress and director Diane Keaton passed away on October 11, 2025, the world mourned the loss of one of Hollywood’s most distinctive talents. Known for her wit, style, and timeless roles in Annie Hall, Father of the Bride, and The First Wives Club, Keaton was also a devoted animal lover. Her beloved Golden…
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The recent passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, has left fans mourning around the world—and revealed a striking family decision behind the scenes. According to Yahoo News, Hogan’s daughter, Brooke Hogan, requested to be completely removed from her father’s will in 2023, over a year before his sudden death at 71. Her…
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Did you know that approximately 7 out of 10 Americans don’t have a will? Despite having vast wealth and resources, even some of the world’s most famous celebrities fail to create a proper estate plan. The consequences? Years of legal battles, family disputes, and unnecessary financial losses. A prime example is Prince, whose $156 million…
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North Carolina recognizes a cause of action for tortious inference with expected inheritance. This cause of action can be confused with tortious interference with prospective economic advantage, which occurs in the context of a contract or potential contract. Conversely, tortious interference with expected inheritance occurs in the context of a will or estate, rather than…
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Wills must meet several basic requirements to be valid and enforceable under state law. If any of the below factors are at work, then a will’s validity may be challenged. (1) Undue Influence Undue influence exists when a person uses coercion to influence the…
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The inheritance saga in the wake of Prince’s death continues. Since reportedly dying without a will, potential heirs are coming of the proverbial woodwork and claiming they are entitled to a piece of Prince’s fortune. According to Minnesota law, if there is no will, the deceased’s estate first goes to…
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On Tuesday, Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, filed an emergency motion in Carver County District Court requesting that the Court appoint a special administrator to gather and protect Prince’s assets. She also claimed that, to the best of her knowledge, no will existed. The assets are estimated to be worth $100…
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In 1960 Charles Pickelsimer (“Charles”) inherited significant stock holdings in a family telecommunications company.[1] Over the next 45 years, Charles gave his children and grandchildren stock certificates as gifts. When he sold the company in 2008 for $65 million, Charles and his children received significant cash distributions. In 2009, Charles…
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