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Probate and Trusts
Elder Abuse
Conservatorship

Lurline Charitable Holding Trust

Published: Dec. 23, 2003 | Result Date: May 3, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BP076911 Bench Decision –  $477,380

Judge

Thomas W. Stoever

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Walter M. Leighton

Marc L. Sallus
(Oldman, Cooley, Sallus, Birnberg, Coleman & Gold, LLP)

Meredith C. Levy


Defendant

Norman Y. Blaz


Facts

On Dec. 11, 1995, Jay Lashlee was named trustee of the Lurline Charitable Holding Trust. After a mediation on July 18, 2001, Evelyn Murphy was named conservator and co-trustee to the Trust. As a result, she was to have access to all income and cash accounts for the purpose of supporting conservatee Lilian Shmitka. Lashlee had no objection. Upon sale of the real property under the trust, Lashlee opened up two bank accounts in which he deposited the escrow checks totaling $249,000. In the following months, Lashlee withdrew a total of $208,775.44 for his private use, signing for both himself and Murphy without Murphy's consent.

Damages

PLEASE OUTLINE

Result

The award totaled $477,379 comprising $208,775.44 in economic damages; $59,828.93 in attorney fees and punitive damages in the sum of $208,775.


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