A legal dispute has emerged over the estate of the late actress Daveigh Chase, who passed away on June 16 at the age of 35 in Los Angeles. The controversy revolves around her mother, Cathy Chase, seeking to be appointed administrator of Daveigh’s estate, which has been valued in the six-figure range but currently lacks a will.
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On August 26, John Ryan, Daveigh’s former business manager, submitted a declaration to the Los Angeles County Superior Court opposing Cathy’s petition. Ryan contends that his firm, Artists for Artists (AFA), stands to claim management fees for services rendered prior to Chase’s death as well as fees from residuals due to her estate.
In his legal filing, Ryan detailed concerns about Cathy Chase’s handling of her daughter’s finances. He asserted that in the 2000s, Daveigh expressed fears that her mother may exploit her financial resources and sought legal emancipation from her. “I introduced Daveigh to professionals who could assist her with this process,” he noted, reinforcing his stance against Cathy’s bid for administrative control.
Cathy Chase’s attorney, Cliff Melnick, has yet to provide comments regarding Ryan’s assertions and objections. According to the submitted documents, Cathy last saw her daughter in 2019, highlighting a significant estrangement.
Complications further intensified when Daveigh’s father, John Schwallier, also filed for partial control of her estate. He has requested that the court appoint a licensed professional fiduciary, Megan Boling, to oversee the estate’s administration. His filing came just weeks after Cathy’s initial request for appointment, reflecting a fractured family dynamic. Schwallier has stated that he has not had communication with Daveigh since her teens, having been separated from her mother for over three decades.
In Schwallier’s petition, he has sought authority for Boling under California’s Independent Administration of Estates Act, also suggesting a $400,000 bond to provide financial security. The backdrop of the family’s legal battle paints a complex picture of Daveigh’s life, who was both adored for her voice role as Lilo in Disney’s *Lilo & Stitch* and remembered for her portrayal of Samara Morgan in the horror film *The Ring*.
Ryan, in his most recent filing, expressed support for Boling as the appointed administrator, and noted he would favour the appointment of a public administrator if any objections to her candidacy arise. The court has yet to render a decision, with the next hearing scheduled for February 10, 2027.
The circumstances surrounding Daveigh’s passing revealed further challenges she faced in her final years, including struggles with addiction and homelessness, particularly on Skid Row in Los Angeles. Reports indicate that a medical examiner determined AIDS as the primary cause of her death, with polysubstance use noted as a significant co-occurring condition.
While the estate battles unfold, the legacy of Daveigh Chase continues to resonate with fans and the entertainment industry alike. She had maintained a low profile in the years leading up to her death, with her last film appearances occurring in 2016.
As the legal proceedings progress, questions surrounding the future management of Chase’s estate remain unresolved, drawing attention to the complexities of family relationships in the face of tragedy. For those facing similar struggles with substance abuse, resources such as the SAMHSA helpline are available, demonstrating the ongoing need for support and advocacy.