Just thoughts on the testimony in general.
Most of the witnesses were credible. Gail was contradictory as noted by the laywers, and a few elements of Luke's testimony were biased -- he made a statement he believed the kids were to inherit some property like antiques, and the defense did point out the issues with Gygax magazine. But then they are the direct defendant and plantiff.
The issue with Rob Kuntz was quicker. Basically, Rob had said he was out of the loop about this, but the court said they had given plenty of notice, and basically also decided the dispute of ownership was not something that was something probate would handle, as the interests of the probate court are to the estate holders. Rob admits that he didn't have the money to sue the estate directly, so I think he was hoping he could use the hearing as a way to resolve it.
- Gail is deposed first. Most of this gets into the Will and it has to touch on a few areas, Trigee, a prior pre-nup, the other wills, etc.
- The one area I feel was legal wrangling was about when Trigee was disbanded -- Luke's side was trying to go by the fact that in California it was not considered an active corporation anymore, but we know that Trigee was used for most of Gary's work up until his death.
- Tom Desanto is next, mostly to establish how he acquired the will, the value of the estate, etc.
- Paul Stromberg is next, mostly to establish the value of the estate, since he has sold prior works via auctions.
- A local Lake Geneva police officer is deposed. Gail had reported a painting called "Gateway to Adventure" was stolen. I'm not sure, but that I believe might be the original Trampier Art for the Player's Handbook, which would make it very sad is somebody stole that.
- Alex is deposed. It's mostly to establish if he witnessed the Will as a co-signer and to get testimony about his current relationship with Gail. (This part makes me sad.)
- Steve from TLG is called, to discuss the original publishing plans and TLG's relationship with Gary
- Luke is called to give his perspective on things.
- Gail is called again.
- The Lawyers present their closing testimonies, then the judge presents his opinion. Basically, the judge feels Gail can't be an executor and hid the will. The will is still valid but there is talk of penalties (likely Gail having to pay legal fees via the auctions), but they aren't taking away her rights.
Most of the witnesses were credible. Gail was contradictory as noted by the laywers, and a few elements of Luke's testimony were biased -- he made a statement he believed the kids were to inherit some property like antiques, and the defense did point out the issues with Gygax magazine. But then they are the direct defendant and plantiff.
The issue with Rob Kuntz was quicker. Basically, Rob had said he was out of the loop about this, but the court said they had given plenty of notice, and basically also decided the dispute of ownership was not something that was something probate would handle, as the interests of the probate court are to the estate holders. Rob admits that he didn't have the money to sue the estate directly, so I think he was hoping he could use the hearing as a way to resolve it.
Of course I don't care to part with it, I add hastily!
