Father Opposes Mother's Bid to Control Late Actress's Estate

A legal battle has emerged over who should control the estate of actress Daveigh Chase, with her father filing court documents to block her mother from taking charge of the six-figure inheritance.

John Schwallier has formally opposed Cathy Chase's motion to serve as administrator of the estate left behind by the former child star, who appeared in the horror film 'Ring' and died in June while living in a recreational vehicle on Los Angeles's Skid Row.

Court filings obtained by TMZ reveal that Schwallier has instead nominated Megan Boling, who identifies herself as a neutral licensed professional fiduciary, to object to Cathy Chase's petition and assume control of the estate. The documents request that if Boling's appointment is rejected, a public administrator should be designated instead.

The legal documents cite a troubled family history as justification for keeping Cathy Chase from managing the estate. According to the filing, Daveigh Chase was emancipated from her mother as a minor due to allegations of financial irregularities involving Cathy, and the two remained separated following that legal action.

The court papers further state that Daveigh Chase was estranged from both parents at the time of her death, strengthening the argument that a neutral party should oversee the estate rather than either parent.

Cathy Chase had previously petitioned the court for appointment as estate administrator, noting that her daughter never married and had no children, which would typically make a parent the logical choice for such a role.

The actress's death was determined to have resulted from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and drug use, with the manner of death classified as natural. The circumstances surrounding her final months have drawn attention to the challenges faced by former child performers who struggle after their careers end.

The dispute over estate administration highlights the complex family dynamics that can emerge following an unexpected death, particularly when relationships have been fractured for years. The court will ultimately decide whether to grant Cathy Chase's request, appoint the neutral fiduciary proposed by Schwallier, or designate a public administrator to handle the estate's affairs.