The mother superior of an Italian convent has been placed under investigation for allegedly forging the will of a benefactor that turned to the convent for comfort in her final days.
Francesca Di Cesare did not have any living relatives while staying alone in her Rome apartment. Therefore, she turned to the nuns for support in 2007 shortly before her death. She had even moved into the convent for the final days of her life, however, she still owned the apartment in which most of her possessions remained. When the nuns from the convent began removing her assets, just before her death, her neighbors became suspicious. And when her will was finally opened for probate several friends were shocked to discover that she left everything, about 1.5 million euros in cash and bonds plus the apartment, to the convent.
Not only were they shocked about the beneficiaries, but also that the handwritten will looked nothing like the handwriting of Di Cesare. Experts were called in and they agreed. They determined that the entire document had been written by and signed by the mother superior, Sister Angela Gramegna. An obvious case of forgery.
The apartment has since been seized while the Italian police continue with the investigation. Gramegna has been transferred to another convent at this time.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary with the estate documents of your loved one before or during the probate process please inform an Estate Attorney immediately.
*This blog entry was not written by an Attorney and should not be constituted as professional legal advice.