William Bampton, 92, of Australia, tried to reclaim $200,000 from his $667,000 lotto windfall for his daughter Suzanne Vourlides. The court sided with the daughter and dismissed the claim.
Father Sues Daughter Over $200k Gift, Tale of Betrayal and Broken Bonds
In 2018, Bampton won a million dollars and gave some to his daughter. He sued, alleging that his daughter pushed him into handing her $200,000, citing undue influence.
Despite being his power of attorney, Suzanne Vourlides was found to have provided the gift reasonably.
The judge noted that Bampton did not have dementia when the gift was made, and his behavior influenced the verdict. The court found no evidence that Bampton was bullied into the decision, highlighting his assertive nature.
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Lotto Jackpot Lawsuit Leaves Lives in Ruins Despite Legal Victory
The judicial victory for Suzanne Vourlides was hollow for the family. “I’m over it,” Vourlides said of the lawsuit’s impact on their lives. Stated it’s devastated lives. Everything is dreadful.” Larry, her brother, said the controversy caused their father to stop talking to him.
The legal dispute showed how sensitive family conflicts can be, with Larry saying, “No one’s a winner out of this; it just destroys everyone in the family.” The legal resolution did not heal the family, the broader impact of money disagreements.