Garcia v. Garcia

Date Filed: August 13, 2025 Case Number: C098735 Court: California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District The Court holds that the trial court’s findings of undue influence, lack of capacity, and that Benjamin Garcia predeceased his mother–thereby triggering Probate Code section 259 and 859 and imposing double damages–are supported by substantial evidence and therefore are affirmed on appeal. This decision underscores the appellate court’s deference to a trial court’s factual determinations in probate matters and confirms the enforceability of the statutory penalties for undue-influence violations in trust administration.