Facts

Susan Valera filed suit against her brother, Louis Foppiano, in a dispute over the Foppiano Vineyard's family trust. Valera attempted to remove Foppinano as a co-trustee, arguing that he neglected the family business by taking trust-backed loans used in part for executive bonuses.

Foppiano denied misuse of funds, claiming that he was carrying out a plan to upgrade the business.

Result

The parties settled. Both siblings agreed to step down as co-trustees and allow the court to appoint an independent third party with wine industry experience.