We naturally want to trust those in positions of leadership and authority – especially when they profess a devotion to a religious figure.  We want to believe that these individuals will act in accordance with the beliefs and standards that they portray, but unfortunately there are times when such is not the case.  This happened in Italy recently when a Nun forged the Will of a multi-millionaire woman in order to get funds for her convent.

Sister Angela Gramegna befriended a lonely Italian millionaire, Francesca Di Cesare, offering her prayers and companionship during her dying days.  In fact, Di Cesare moved into the nuns’ convent for the final days of her life.  Di Cesare owned over $2 million in bonds, $1 million in cash and an upscale apartment in a neighborhood inRome.

Suspicions were raised by the porter at Di Cesare’s apartment building as the nuns were emptying her flat of her possessions just before her death.  When the will was discovered and opened, her neighbors and childhood friend were shocked when the will described the nuns as, “my family, to whom I have decided to leave everything.”  These individuals were suspicious and stated that the Will’s handwriting looked nothing like Di Cesare’s and pressed to have the Will investigated.

Upon expert investigation of the Will’s handwriting it was determined that Di Cesare did not write the will and that the entirety of the document had, in fact, been written by Gramegna – who had since transferred to a convent in Naples.

Neighbors reported that a continual number of estate agents had been visiting the Roman apartment, most likely because the convent was attempting to sell it.  The police moved in and seized the property to prevent the unlawful sale.

Situations such as these make it clear that predators can be anywhere.  By creating a Living Trust you ensure that your assets are protected and safe from predators like these nuns in Italy.  If Di Cesare had already created legal documents to protect and distribute her assets all of this could have been avoided and her actual wishes would have been followed.

To protect your assets and ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes, schedule a free consultation to meet with an MH estate planning attorney.  Call 888.222.1328 to schedule today!

About Morris Hall:
At Morris Hall, we have focused our legal practice on estate planning for over 40 years.  Along with estate planning, our attorneys help clients and their families with matters of probate, trust administration, wills, power of attorneys, business planning, succession planning, legacy planning, charitable gifting and other important legal aspects.  We also have divisions in financial, real estate and accounting to help you incorporate all of your planning together, ensuring that everything works perfectly for your needs and situation. Our Arizona offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff and Arrowhead.  Our New Mexico offices are located in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.  Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!

This blog should be used for informational purposes only.  It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice.  If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.