In Re Estate of Wittmond

In March 1996, Carl H. Wittmond died testate, leaving behind an estate valued at over $8.5 million. The trial court appointed Charles Burch, Wittmond’s nephew, as executor of the estate. In November 1997, Jane Stewart, Wittmond’s companion of 30 years, filed a petition asking the trial court to direct Burch to execute Wittmond’s bequests to her. In February 1998, Burch filed a petition for citation for recovery of assets allegedly held by Stewart. In August 1999, the court denied Stewart’s petition and granted Burch’s petition in part. Later in August 1999, Stewart died. Her attorney filed a…