Judge bars two heirs from Spokane fortune

A Spokane Superior Court decision has cut Lanzce Douglass and Stacey Douglass Boies out of their father Harlan Douglass’s inheritance. Judge Jacquelyn High-Edward rejected the 2019 version of Harlan’s will and restored the earlier arrangement, after finding that the younger siblings improperly influenced him while his mental abilities were declining. Harlan died Nov. 26, 2023.

The dispute concerns an estate valued at about $600 million, along with roughly $350 million in real estate and promissory notes totaling $155 million. The later will would have awarded Lanzce 65% and Stacey 35%, leaving their older brother Harley with $1,000. High-Edward voided the real estate transfers to the younger siblings and canceled the notes. Harley now controls the estate and could ultimately receive close to $1 billion.

The judge’s findings focused on documents prepared by Lanzce and Stacey that Harlan signed when he depended on others to read materials, arrange appointments and handle medication. The ruling also follows an earlier court victory for Harley over a deed that removed him from their mother Maxine Douglass’s inheritance. Lanzce’s attorney said the family has not decided whether to appeal. High-Edward may next determine whether the 2018 will provides inheritances for the siblings’ five children.