Daveigh Chase estate dispute expands as former manager joins legal battle

A legal dispute has intensified over the estimated $400,000 estate of late actress Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in ‘The Ring’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch’. The probate battle involves Chase’s mother, Cathy Chase, her estranged father, John Schwallier, and her former business manager, John Ryan.

Cathy Chase filed a petition in July to serve as the estate's administrator, noting that the actress is still owed residual payments from past film and television projects. However, both Schwallier and Ryan have filed objections to her petition. Schwallier has requested the appointment of a third-party professional fiduciary, Megan Boiling, to oversee the assets.

In new court filings, John Ryan joined the opposition, supporting the call for a third-party administrator. Ryan also raised claims regarding Chase’s relationship with her parents, alleging that she had sought legal emancipation in the mid-2000s due to concerns that her mother was jeopardizing her finances and well-being.

Daveigh Chase passed away at age 35 in June. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled her death was caused by the combined effects of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and polysubstance use disorder.