One of the main reasons why residents of Woodland Hills are encouraged to see to their estate planning before it is too late is because if they want to keep their families’ secrets private, proper planning allows them to do so. Avoiding probate may also mean avoiding having the information related to an estate becoming public record. Even further, provisions such as non-disclosure agreements may secure a family’s privacy by compelling parties to an estate to not divulge information about it. If those parties violate those agreements, the estate may then choose to pursue legal action.
Such action was recently sought by the estate of a late Hispanic singer in order to secure injunctive relief from one of the woman’s former associates. The defendant, who served as the singer’s manager, is alleged to have written a book about the woman that revealed secrets that estate representatives claim he agreed not to share by signing a non-disclosure agreement shortly after her death. That book will serve as the basis from an upcoming television special to be aired by Univision. While a United Kingdom judge recently issued a temporary restraining order along with a preliminary injunction against the defendant, the series will still air as planned.
The unauthorized disclosure of protected information which may almost assuredly arise from this television series could potentially entitle the estate to significant damages. Such is the value the some may assign to an estate’s property (both tangible and intellectual) and the damage done in releasing it. Should one feel as though others are seeking to profit off an estate despite any documented or perceived promises not to do so, he or she may wish to consult with an attorney to see what options may be available to halt such actions.
Source: Forbes “Univision to Air Jenni Rivera Series Despite Legal Battle Over Ex-Manager Revealing Star’s Secrets” Villafane, Veronica, Dec. 27, 2016
