O.J. Simpson passed away without paying the majority of the $33.5 million judgment awarded to the families of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in a wrongful death lawsuit. While acquitted in a criminal trial, Simpson was found liable in the civil case. The families are now expected to have a better chance of collecting on the judgment, as the probate process will likely reveal more about Simpson’s finances.
David Cook, an attorney representing Goldman’s family in collecting the civil judgment, expressed that Simpson passed away without facing the consequences of his actions. The families will continue pursuing the judgment through the probate process in court. Different states have varying probate laws, but generally, the estate must go through the courts within a certain timeframe after the person’s death. The Goldman and Brown families will have a strong claim on Simpson’s assets, especially under California law where creditors with a judgment lien are prioritized.
Legal experts believe that the death of the debtor and the involvement of the probate process make it more likely for the claimants to retrieve the owed amount. The executor or administrator of the estate has a greater incentive to settle debts than the living person. While it might still be challenging for the families to collect, the probate process provides a clearer path for them to pursue Simpson’s assets. Simpson claimed to have lived on his NFL and private pensions, and his valuable possessions were seized to fulfill the judgment.
Fred Goldman, the lead plaintiff in the civil case, always maintained that holding Simpson responsible was more important than the money. With Simpson’s passing, the hope for true accountability has diminished. Transfers of assets to avoid creditors can be seen as fraudulent, and claimants like the Goldman and Brown families can file additional civil lawsuits to contest these transfers. The families will likely continue their pursuit of Simpson’s assets through the probate process, taking advantage of their priority as creditors.
In conclusion, the death of O.J. Simpson has opened up new possibilities for the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman to collect the long-standing civil judgment against him. The probate process will shed light on Simpson’s finances and assets, giving the families a clearer path to seek retribution. While the collection of the judgment may still pose challenges, legal experts believe that the involvement of the probate process increases the likelihood of the families receiving their due amount. The families remain determined to hold Simpson accountable, regardless of the financial outcome, in their quest for justice.
