Goldman Estate Lawsuit Proceeds Toward $570M Trial
The court denies a dismissal request, meaning heirs will continue their challenge over alleged asset undervaluation.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Financial Planning
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A New York judge has denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit alleging the undervaluation of the Sol Goldman estate by at least $570 million. The case, brought by heirs, will now proceed toward a trial to address claims of breached fiduciary duties.
Why it matters
The case highlights the critical risks involved in estate appraisals used to determine share values in family-owned companies. When internal valuations are challenged as significantly low, it can lead to protracted legal battles that delay the settlement of assets for beneficiaries.
The lawsuit claims that the appraisal process for SGI properties resulted in an undervaluation of at least $570 million compared to their actual worth. This valuation was used to determine the payout for shares cashed out via put options.
The players
Jane Goldman
A defendant in the estate lawsuit who sought a summary judgment to dismiss the claims.
Steven Gurney Goldman
A plaintiff in the estate lawsuit who filed the legal action in 2023.
Amy Goldman Fowler
A plaintiff in the estate lawsuit who filed the legal action in 2023.
Melissa Crane
The New York state judge presiding over the litigation regarding the Sol Goldman estate.
Louisa Little
A defendant in the lawsuit accused of breaching fiduciary duties related to the estate.
The details
The dispute centers on the appraisal process used to calculate the value of shares for put options within the Sol Goldman estate. Plaintiffs argue that this method resulted in an undervaluation of company assets by hundreds of millions, effectively reducing the payouts to certain heirs. The court has determined that factual disputes regarding allegations of willful ignorance are significant enough to require a trial rather than an early dismissal.
Timeline
The lawsuit was initially filed in 2023.
The judge denied the motion for summary judgment on October 28, 2026.
A pretrial conference is scheduled for November 5, 2026.
Money Landscape
This development marks a continuation of complex, high-stakes litigation involving the Sol Goldman estate. It underscores the challenges heirs face when questioning appraisal methodologies in multi-million dollar corporate assets.
Beneficiaries of large estates should ensure they understand the appraisal methods used to determine share buybacks or payouts. If you believe a valuation is inaccurate, discuss your documentation and legal options with a qualified attorney or tax professional.
The takeaway
Large-scale estate appraisals often involve complex, disputed math that can significantly impact the final distribution of assets. Ensure you request full disclosure of valuation reports and verify their methodology with independent advisors during any corporate share buyout.
What happens next
A pretrial conference for the lawsuit is scheduled to take place on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more on managing complex estate disputes, read our guide on Financial Planning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Real Deal New York.
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