Garcia v. Garcia
The court held that the trial court's findings of undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, and elder financial abuse were supported by substantial evidence, resulting in the 2021 trust amendment and grant deed being void, Benjamin Garcia being deemed to have predeceased his mother under Probate Code section 259, and the award of double damages under Probate Code section 859 being proper.
Date Filed: August 13, 2025
Case Name: Garcia v. Garcia
Case Number: C098735
Court: California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
The Court holds that the trial court’s findings of undue influence, lack of capacity, and that Benjamin Garcia predeceased his mother—thereby triggering Probate Code §§ 259 and 859 and imposing double damages—are supported by substantial evidence and therefore are affirmed on appeal. This decision underscores the appellate court’s deference to a trial court’s factual determinations in probate matters and confirms the enforceability of the statutory penalties for undue‑influence violations in trust administration.
This case summary was prepared for educational purposes. For the authoritative version, please refer to the full opinion or the official California Courts website.