A bitter family inheritance dispute involving one of Spokane’s wealthiest property developers has taken a dramatic turn after a judge ruled that two children financially exploited their father while he was living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The decision could leave his eldest son in control of a fortune estimated at nearly $1 billion, according to The Spokesman-Review, with further details reported by Moneywise. Spokane County Superior Court Judge Jacquelyn High-Edward ruled on October 26, 2026, in favour of Harley Douglass, who had challenged changes made to his late father Harlan Douglass’ will in 2019. The ruling reinstates an earlier version of the will and disqualifies his younger siblings, Lanzce Douglass and Stacey Douglass Boies, from receiving an inheritance after finding that they had financially exploited their father. Harlan, a prominent real estate developer, died on November 26, 2023, aged 86. His estate was estimated at approximately $600 million, including an extensive property portfolio. However, when disputed assets and other financial interests are taken into account, the wider family fortune has been valued at around $1 billion.The dispute centred on a revised will that dramatically changed how the family wealth would be distributed. Under the 2019 version, Lanzce was entitled to 65% of the estate, while Stacey would receive the remaining 35%.
Inheritance Dispute Ruling: judge voids Douglass will; elder son may get $1bn estate
In a recent legal development, Lanzce Douglass and Stacey Douglass Boies have been found by the court to have financially taken advantage of their father, Harlan Douglass. The judge has reinstated Harlan's earlier will, raising Harley Douglass's chances of inheriting a substantial fortune. This inheritance dispute sheds light on the complexity of wealth distribution, revealing cognitive struggles that affected…
In brief
A bitter family inheritance dispute involving one of Spokane’s wealthiest property developers has taken a dramatic turn after a judge ruled that two children financially exploited their father while he was living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Spokane County Superior Court Judge Jacquelyn High-Edward ruled on October 26, 2026, in favour of Harley Douglass, who had challenged changes made to his late father Harlan Douglass’ will in 2019.
This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to The Times of India — World. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.
Continue reading at The Times of India — World ↗