The 1953 Trust created by Epstein and named the main beneficiary of Epstein’s Will could be challenged in Court
Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein died on August 10, 2019. His death was ruled a suicide. At the time of his death, he was facing various federal charges in the United States. According to a recent online story, he prepared a Will two days before his death. Mr. Epstein had an estate valued at over $577 million. According to the story, in his Will, Mr. Epstein left the bulk of his assets to a trust he had created called The 1953 Trust ( named after his year of birth). He did this to hide money from the various alleged victims who say they were sexually abused. This also allowed Mr. Epstein to hide the identities of the beneficiaries of The 1953 Trust.
As a result, any victims claiming against Mr. Epstein would first have to persuade a Court to release the details of The 1953 Trust. Next, the victims would have to get a ruling that they are entitled to compensation as a result of sex crimes. The Court would have to rule how much they are entitled to and whether or not to reduce the amounts any potential beneficiaries are entitled to.
Mr. Epstein’s Will was filed in the U.S. Virgin Islands where he owned two islands. As a result, claims against his Estate will likely have to be brought in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. Epstein’s alleged victims may commence civil actions against his Estate. A transfer of assets two days before his death may increase the chances of success against his Estate. Some of the assets listed in Mr. Epstein’s Will include more than US $56 million in cash, several properties, and US $18.5 million in aircraft, vehicles, boats, and art.
Epstein accuser commences action against estate
According to another online story, a new accuser has commenced litigation against Epstein’s Estate . The lawsuit was commenced in a Manhattan Federal Court. The victim is identified as “Jane Doe” and is seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit alleges that the victim suffers post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. All of these are alleged to be the result of sexual abuse she suffered from 2002 to 2005 at Epstein’s Manhattan residence while she was a minor.
None of the recent allegations have been proven in Court. The Epstein Estate may be subject to other potential claims from other victims. It remains to be seen what effect Mr. Epstein’s Will may have on any judgments made against his estate.
More on this story here.