Liza Minelli sells house with stepmother still in it

Dear Miki:I heard that Liza Minnelli ignored her father's last will and testament and sold her father's home right out from under her 98-year-old stepmother, who was still residing there. How could Liza be so callous? She's a big star and probably doesn't need the money! - HearsayDear Hearsay:Don't jump to conclusions that life is a cabaret for Oscar-winning actress Liza Minnelli, daughter of the late Oscar-winning Vincente Minnelli. It is true that Liza is the beneficiary of her late father's March 25, 1982 Will and Trust, and she is the Executor and Trustee of Vincente Minnelli's Estate.The Will and Trust stipulate that Lee Minnelli, spouse of Vincente Minnelli, has a life estate ownership in 812 Crescent Drive in Beverly Hills, meaning Lee is entitled to the use and benefits of the property for life, but that these rights cease upon death.On April 2, 2002, Lee sued Liza for elder abuse and claimed a July 14, 1988 Settlement Agreement between them, guaranteeing the property be maintained by Liza for Lee's benefit and use and that Liza pay for Lee's housekeeper, had been breached. According to court documents, the pool man had been fired and not paid, and the pool was "a green swamp and breeding ground for insects."Utility bills had been shut off for nonpayment, the 18-year-loyal housekeeper had been stiffed, and even the maintenance guy hadn't received wages for washing Liza's Rolls Royce, which is parked on the property. The lawsuit also said that Lee believed that Liza had clandestinely sold the property and sniped "While the defendant (Liza) is honeymooning all over the world, having fed 850 of her closest friends a 12-foot cake, plaintiff (Lee) is alone in a cold, dark house." Hmmmm...that must be a reference to Liza's fiasco marriage to David Gest, I presume.Well, the lawsuit was eventually dropped by Lee, who said she just couldn't bear to sue Liza. Maybe it had something to do with the Will and the Settlement Agreement also stipulating that should Liza find it necessary to sell or occupy the property, other suitable living accommodations must be provided by Liza, under the same terms and conditions as originally set forth regarding Lee's residence at the property.In other words, Liza, who controls her father's trust must continue to provide for her step mommy as long as she lives, whether she chooses to sell her daddy's home or not.Well, Liza did choose to sell the house, and Lee did chose to remain in residence. Nor did she accept a condominium that Liza reportedly offered.Built in 1925, the home is 5,800-square-feet with four bedrooms on an acre near the Beverly Hills Hotel. The house sold for the original negotiated price of approximately $3.5 million, after a four-year escrow! It would only be speculation as to when the buyers will be able to move in and enjoy quiet solitude. Perhaps a small consideration when you look at how much property appreciates over time in Beverly Hills.Sing along now. "Start by admitting, from cradle to tomb, it isn't that long a stay. Life is a Cabaret, old chum. It's only a Cabaret, old chum. And I love a Cabaret!""Ask Miki" is a column of opinion, and anything herein is not intended for financial, legal, medical or tax advice. Miki Garcia is a Realtor with Prudential California Realty in Folsom, who specializes in Folsom, El Dorado Hills and surrounding areas. She can be reached at (916) 941.2421 or via email atmikimiik@sbcglobal.net.