April 8, 2021

Scott Stanley is representing the family of Arlene Westervelt in an estate litigation case against Ms. Westervelt’s husband, Bert Westervelt.

The claim is based on the equitable legal concept that people should not profit from their misdeeds, including unlawful or dishonourable acts. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Westervelt was responsible for Ms. Westervelt’s death and should not be permitted to inherit her assets (profit from his actions).

In June 2020, the criminal charges against Mr. Westervelt were stayed for reasons that have not been disclosed. The criminal charges may yet go forward, but that does not prevent a civil lawsuit where the case is judged on a balance of probabilities instead of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard required in criminal cases.

In Arlene Westervelt’s tragic situation, estate litigation is one way the family can seek answers and justice that the criminal proceedings have, so far, failed to provide.

See the Global News story Family of Lake Country woman launches civil suit in search of justice.

Read the Castanet article Lawsuit filed over drowning. Mother of Lake Country woman who drowned suspiciously in Okanagan Lake files lawsuit against husband previously charged with murder.

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