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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Ind. Courts - More on "Shopping mall tycoon Melvin Simon's daughter sues widow over will"

Updating this ILB entry from Jan. 9, 2010, Jeff Swiatek of the Indianapolis Star has this story today, headed "Bren Simon files response to lawsuit." Some quotes:

Bren Simon says her late husband and billionaire shopping-mall magnate Melvin Simon changed his will in part to prevent his three children from having a say over their stepmother's personal finances after he died.

The allegation of distrust within one of Indiana's most well-known and moneyed families comes in a 24-page court document Bren Simon filed today, vehemently denying a stepdaughter's complaint that she coerced her gravely ill husband to change his will to reduce the amount of money his children would inherit. * * *

The children from Melvin Simon's first marriage, to the former Bess Meshulam, are Deborah Simon, who filed the complaint against Bren Simon earlier this month contesting the new will; Cynthia A. Simon Skjodt; and David E. Simon. * * *

Deborah Simon's complaint also contends that the new will drastically reduce the inheritances going to her, her sister Cynthia and brother David.

Melvin Simon's first marriage ended in divorce and he and Bren were married in 1972.

Bren Simon's filing also asks the court to list David and Cynthia Simon Skjodt as additional plaintiffs in the lawsuit "to reflect the true parties responsible for instituting this proceeding."

Deborah Simon's attorney could not be reached for comment late Wednesday. Simon Property Group spokesman Les Morris would not immediately comment.

Bren Simon is bringing in two new attorneys for her defense: Michael Ciresi and David Beehler, partners at the Minneapolis law firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi.

[More] See this story in the ILJ, headed "Simon says husband's shrinking fortune spurred new will."

Posted by Marcia Oddi on January 21, 2010 10:33 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts