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Probate and Trusts
Undue Influence
Financial Elder Abuse

Vacek Family Trust of 1994

Published: Jul. 12, 2024 | Result Date: May 24, 2024 | Filing Date: Jan. 5, 2021 |

Case number: 21STPB00045 and 21STPB00108 Settlement –  $9,060,000

Judge

Daniel Juarez

Court

Los Angeles County Superior Court


Attorneys

Petitioner

Marc L. Sallus
(Oldman, Sallus & Gold LLP) for Milan Vacek

Gregory J. Lederman
(Law Offices of Gregory J. Lederman) for Adam Vacek, Renee Hunt (individually and Executor of the Janna Hunt Estate) and Katerina Vackova


Respondent

Martin J. Kaufman
(The Kaufman Law Firm APC) for Derek Hunt


Facts

In this action, Petitioner challenged amendments to the Vacek Family Trust of 1994, the appointment of a power of attorney, and the creation of certain business entities, alleging that they were the products of undue influence, lack of capacity, and elder abuse. The court granted a TRO to prevent the Respondent from using Trust funds to defend his actions. Respondent was suspended as trustee. A temporary Trustee was appointed while the parties entered into a mediation and continued settlement negotiations. In August 2023, the parties reached a settlement.

Settlement Discussions

Settlement negotiations lasted over a year.

Injuries

Petitioner alleged a loss of cash and real properties held initially by the Vacek Trust. The parties disputed the value of the properties.

Result

The parties agreed to a $9,060,000 settlement.


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