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Virginia Double Murder Au-Pair Affair: What You Should Know About Estate Planning When Trust Breaks Down

Virginia Double Murder Au-Pair Affair: What You Should Know About Estate Planning When Trust Breaks

For California residents managing family estates or planning for the future, the recent conviction of Brendan Banfield in a Virginia double murder case offers a sobering reminder: the people you trust most can sometimes pose the greatest risk to your legacy and your loved ones.

What Happened: A Breach of Trust That Ended in Murder

On February 3, 2026, a Fairfax County jury convicted Brendan Banfield of orchestrating an elaborate murder scheme that claimed the lives of his wife, Christine Banfield, and another man, Joseph Ryan. The case, which has drawn national attention, centers on a plot Banfield allegedly carried out with the family’s au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, with whom he was having an extramarital affair.

Banfield was found guilty of two counts of aggravated murder, a firearms offense, and child endangerment—his 4-year-old daughter was present in the home during the killings. He now faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for May 8, 2026.

How the Scheme Unfolded

According to prosecutors, Banfield and Peres Magalhães created fake online accounts to lure Joseph Ryan to their home under the pretense of a consensual encounter with Christine. The prosecution argued that Banfield fatally stabbed his wife and shot Ryan, then staged the scene to make it appear as though he had acted in self-defense.

The case relied heavily on testimony from the au pair, who detailed how she watched Banfield execute the plan and stage the crime scene before calling 911. Peres Magalhães was initially arrested for Ryan’s murder in October 2023 but later agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for a sentencing recommendation of time served.

Why This Matters for California Families

If you’re a California resident concerned about protecting your family and assets, this case illustrates several critical estate planning considerations:

  • Fiduciary trust is everything. Whether you’re naming an executor, trustee, or power of attorney, you’re placing enormous power in someone else’s hands. Cases like this remind us that character assessments matter as much as legal documents.
  • Family dynamics change. Affairs, new relationships, and shifting loyalties can upend even the most carefully crafted estate plans. Regular reviews of beneficiary designations and fiduciary appointments are essential.
  • Children are vulnerable. Banfield’s daughter was in the home during the murders and is now without both parents. Proper guardianship designations and trust protections for minor children are not optional—they’re critical safeguards.
  • Criminal acts can void estate plans. In many states, including California, individuals convicted of murdering a family member are barred from inheriting from that person’s estate. Without proper planning, assets could end up in unintended hands.

    • What You Can Do to Protect Your Family

    California Probate and Trust, PC helps families across California navigate complex estate planning scenarios with transparency and compassion. Here’s how we approach cases where trust and family protection are paramount:

  • Establish a revocable living trust that allows you to maintain control during your lifetime while ensuring assets transfer seamlessly to your chosen beneficiaries—without the delays and expenses of probate court.
  • Name backup fiduciaries in case your first choice becomes unable or unwilling to serve. We help clients think through multiple succession scenarios.
  • Create guardianship provisions that protect minor children and ensure they’re cared for by people you trust, not chosen by a court.
  • Include no-contest clauses and other protective provisions that discourage family members from challenging your wishes or acting against your estate’s interests.
  • Review and update regularly—we recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years or whenever major life changes occur (marriage, divorce, birth, death, or significant financial changes).

    • The Bottom Line: Plan for the Unexpected

    While most families will never face circumstances as extreme as the Banfield case, the underlying principle remains: estate planning is about protecting the people you love when things don’t go as expected. It’s about building legal safeguards that work even when trust breaks down.

    For California residents managing estates or planning for their family’s future, having an experienced estate planning attorney who understands both the legal complexities and the human dynamics is essential.

    Ready to Protect Your Family’s Future?

    California Probate and Trust, PC offers FREE one-hour estate planning consultations for California residents. Our certified estate planning specialists will review your family situation, explain your options, and help you build a plan that protects what matters most.

    Schedule your free consultation today:

  • Call (866) 674-1130
  • Visit cpt.law
  • Offices in Fair Oaks, Sacramento, and San Francisco

    • Source: CNN – Brendan Banfield convicted of double murder in au pair affair trial

    Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information presented is based on publicly available news reports and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. Estate planning laws vary by state and individual circumstances. For specific legal guidance regarding your estate planning needs, please consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. California Probate and Trust, PC provides legal services to California residents and those managing California-based assets. Past case results do not guarantee future outcomes.