Following the lawsuit filed June 24th in Orange County Circuit Court, a legal dispute over the trust of late Westgate Resort founder David Siegel. The complaint, which was launched by Siegel’s stepdaughter Janessa Siegel on behalf of two minor sons, alleges, was inappropriately removed as a beneficiary by trustee and trust guardian Michael Marder.
Janassa’s late husband, Stephen Siegel (son of David Siegel), was kicked out of an incurable brain tumor at the age of 63. Stephen served as Senior Vice President of Westgate before resigning in 2021. He married Janessa in 2015 and had two sons together. Stephen’s mother is Geraldine Spillar.
The complaint does not disclose specific details regarding the irrevocable trust value or the allocation of its assets or beneficiaries. However, the case includes more than 30 defendants, including current and former Westgate executives and members of the Siegel family. These include Jackie Siegel, CEO Jim Gissy, former COO Mark Waltlip and Murder, the general counsel for Westgate. The attorneys involved and Jackie Siegel declined to comment on the Orlando Business Journal. A Westgate spokesman described the lawsuit as “frivolous” and labeled it a private family issue “a fiercely defended.”
At the heart of Janessa Siegel’s claim is that the trust amendment that eliminated children as beneficiaries has not been properly spotted and has been nullified. She also accussed Marder of violating his fiduciary duties by simultaneously serving in dual roles of trustees and trust guardians. Florida law allows one person to hold both positions, but Geoff Hoatson, CEO of First Farm Park in Winter Park (not involved in the case), said such arrangements were extraordinary and could compromise the protection of beneficiaries.
Janessa is seeking removal of the Murder as a trustee, a refund of legal fees, and a trial trial. On August 4th, Marder filed a motion to transfer the case from the civil court to the probate department. Janessa’s legal team opposed the move on August 7th. Hautson believes the issue is likely and could ultimately be resolved outside the court, as is common in trust disputes.
Case information
Cases: Siegel, Janessa vs. Siegel, Jacqueline Mallery et al.
Number: 2025-CA-005979-O
Court: 9th Judicial Circuit Court, Orange County
Judge: John E. Jordan
Attorneys: John McDermott (Plaintiff); John Hart, Sarah Buttertars, Lynn Wright, Ira Spivey, Keith Durkin, Beth Ann Krimsky (Defendants)
