Family Feud: David Patterson Accuses Brother of Inheritance Deception

Meet Cain and Abel, or maybe David and Daniel. Former New York Governor David Patterson claims that his brother has misled him regarding their mother’s inheritance.

A lawsuit filed by David alleges that Daniel Patterson, 67, coerced their 94-year-old mother into transferring significant assets from her property into his account through undue influence. This alleged manipulation allowed Daniel, along with his wife, Eloise, to circumvent a longstanding will.

The court documents describe how the assets exceeded $7 million. It appears Daniel acted similarly to the deceased in a defiance of what they believed were clear wishes outlined in their mother’s will.

After their mother’s death in July, Daniel reportedly attempted to assert that she had only a checking account and a non-operational BMW valued at less than $30,000. The former governor, who held office from 2008 to 2010, is now seeking a minimum of $3.5 million from his brother and two nephews concerning their mother’s real estate.

Paul W. Seagert, a former government attorney, stated there was a conspiracy to conceal the transfers made just before her passing, emphasizing, “She had significant property.”

“Everyone kept it a secret,” Seagert remarked, “and then we learned about it later.”

When contacted by reporters, Daniel seemed dismissive, allegedly stating this should be considered fraud before abruptly hanging up. He has not responded to further attempts to reach him.

Portia Patterson was married to Basil Patterson for 61 years, who was notable for being the first Black vice-chair of the National Democrats. Portia was also a dedicated school teacher and advocate for people with disabilities.

David claims he only discovered what he describes as “unfair enrichment” recently, triggered by an affidavit from Daniel filed in Surrogate Court regarding their mother’s estate.

David’s legal team learned of alarming details through a court notice revealing that only $27,000 remained in their mother’s bank account at the time of her passing. Additionally, the affidavit mentioned $8,500 in funeral expenses deducted from the estate, leaving David with a mere $10,250 inheritance.

“Even Portia’s lawyer of 30 years was unaware of the asset transfers,” Seagert pointed out.

As the executor of the estate, Daniel allegedly failed to notify her real estate lawyer of Portia’s death, creating confusion about the status of her will. There’s a troubling notion that nearly a year after her death, her family was shocked to learn that simple notice indicated her total net worth was only $21,500.

“Draw your own conclusions,” Seagert concluded, hinting at the gravity of what he describes as a gross injustice.