Goldman Family Legal Dispute Escalates Over Estate Control

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An overview of New York City highlighting the Goldman family's extensive real estate assets.

News Summary

The legal battle over the Sol Goldman real estate fortune has intensified as two family members seek to remove current executors, alleging threats and manipulation. The disputes highlight governance issues surrounding the family’s $1.7 billion property assets, with accusations of mental incompetence and mismanagement complicating matters further. Legal complexities and longstanding tensions within the Goldman family continue to threaten control over their extensive real estate holdings.

New York City – The legal battle among heirs to the Sol Goldman real estate fortune has intensified, as two family members filed petitions in New York Surrogate’s Court seeking to remove Jane Goldman and Diane Goldman Kemper as executors of the estate. The dispute centers around governance and control of the Goldman family’s extensive property assets, which are valued at over $1.7 billion.

Amy Goldman Fowler and her nephew, Steven Gurney-Goldman, have alleged that Jane Goldman made a significant violent threat against Steven, claiming she expressed the desire to “kill him or else hire a contract killer.” In addition, the court filings indicate that Jane is obstructing the distribution of more than $100 million in cash assets from the estate, further complicating family matters.

Amy and Steven also contend that Jane has been manipulating Diane Goldman Kemper, suggesting that Diane is no longer mentally competent to serve as a co-executor due to ongoing health issues. They assert that Diane is “currently unaware” of her responsibilities in the estate, pointing to concerns about her mental state and alleging that Jane has exploited this vulnerability.

The origins of the accusations regarding the contract killer remark stem from a conversation between Amy and Solina Goldman, Jane’s daughter. According to legal documents, Solina disclosed that Jane made the threatening comment amid heightened tensions over the family’s vast real estate holdings. So far, Jane Goldman has not publicly addressed this specific allegation.

Jane’s attorney has denied the accusations, arguing that they recycle claims that have previously been dismissed. Jane has characterized Amy and Steven’s efforts as attempts to gain an unfair advantage in the management of the estate, suggesting that their petitions are self-serving.

The Goldman family’s fortune includes more than 400 properties located primarily in New York City, including significant landmarks such as the Chrysler Building. This vast property portfolio has made the Goldman family a notable name in real estate, especially following the success of the patriarch, Sol Goldman.

Sol Goldman, who passed away in 1987, was recognized for his significant contributions to New York City’s real estate landscape. However, the family has faced internal disputes dating back to the early 1980s, initiated by allegations of infidelity and physical abuse against Sol by his wife, Lillian Goldman. Following Sol’s death, legal complexities arose concerning the validity of agreements made during their separation.

After Sol’s passing, Lillian Goldman and her four children were named executors of his estate, which has been valued at $656 million as of 2022. As tensions within the family deepened, particularly following the death of Allan Goldman in January 2022, further legal disputes concerning the estate’s management emerged. He was one of Lillian’s sons and also served as an executor.

In light of Allan’s death, Steven Gurney-Goldman assumed leadership as executor of his father’s estate. Steven and Amy accuse Jane of undermining the family’s significant business, Solil Management, and mismanaging its assets. Despite recent litigation in Delaware that favored Amy and Steven, ordering Jane to share control of a central family holding company, Jane is currently appealing this ruling, aiming to retain full authority over the family business.

Additionally, related legal proceedings in New York are examining asset valuations and the overall management of the estate, raising the potential for trial in the near future. If the disputes remain unresolved, they could result in lengthy litigation, further entrenching the divisions within the Goldman family and impacting the stewardship of their substantial property holdings.