Alex, the dog, center of estate litigation

Ron, the master of Alex, a 13-year old golden retriever, celebrated New Year’s Day in a very tragic manner — he committed suicide.  Ron’s divorced parents are now fighting over his multi-million dollar estate including the custody of Alex.

A Tennessee probate court appointed Paul Royal (Crislip, Phillips & Associates) as a guardian ad litem for Alex to help with the custody dispute.

According to Stephanie Francis Ward, Canine Case is Doggone Tough, ABA eReport, May 18, 2007,

The court accepted Royal’s plan * * * for each of the parties to keep Alex for two weeks at a time. During Callan’s two weeks, * * * the dog will stay with him during the day at a business the father and son owned. Since Callan has cats at his home, Royal says, Alex will sleep nights at the home of Chris Griffith, the decedent’s former girlfriend.

While with Gnall, who has two other golden retrievers, Alex will also spend time with Kim Guill, Callan Jr.’s fiancée, with whom he had been living at the time of his death.

But, controversy is far from over.  Allegations are being made that the dog is not getting a proper diet and is not swimming enough.

Special thanks to Kay Fletcher (Assistant Dean, Texas Tech University School of Law) for bringing this development to my attention.

To read more about pet trusts, see Estate Planning for Pet Owners, which stresses the importance of making arrangements for pet care after disability and death to avoid Alex’s situation.