Understanding how criminal charges, domestic violence allegations, and legal complications can impact family protection and asset management in California
Who This Article Is For
This article is essential reading for California residents who are:
Managing family assets and concerned about how criminal charges or legal complications could affect estate plans
Navigating domestic violence situations and seeking to protect their families legally and financially
Worried about how a family member’s legal troubles might impact inheritance, guardianship, or trust administration
Looking for transparency in understanding how criminal proceedings intersect with estate planning and family protection
What Happened: The Gervonta Davis Case
On January 29, 2026, boxing champion Gervonta Davis was arrested in Miami following a two-week manhunt by U.S. Marshals.The three-division world champion faces serious charges including battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident at a Miami strip club on October 27, 2025.
Key facts about the arrest:
Davis was apprehended after a multi-day surveillance operation across three counties
The alleged victim, a former girlfriend, filed both criminal complaints and a civil lawsuit
Police documented visible injuries including bruising to the victim’s arm
The World Boxing Association stripped Davis of his lightweight title over the weekend, citing the pending legal case
This arrest adds to Davis’s history of legal issues, including a 2023 hit-and-run conviction that resulted in three years of probation
Source: The Guardian – Boxing star Gervonta Davis arrested on kidnapping charges after two-week manhunt
Why This Matters for California Families
1. How Can Criminal Charges Affect My Estate Plan?
When a family member faces criminal charges, especially involving domestic violence or violent crimes, it creates immediate concerns for estate planning:
Trustee Removal or Disqualification: If someone named as a trustee or executor is convicted of a felony, California courts may remove them from their fiduciary role. Many trust documents include “moral character” clauses that automatically disqualify convicted felons.
Probation Violations: Davis’s new charges in Florida could affect his probationary status in Maryland.Similarly, California residents on probation who face new charges may have their ability to manage estates or serve as agents under power of attorney questioned by the courts.
Asset Protection Concerns: Criminal proceedings often involve civil lawsuits (as in Davis’s case, where the victim filed both criminal and civil complaints). Without proper asset protection strategies, family wealth can be vulnerable to judgments and settlements.
2. What Happens When Someone Can’t Be Located to Receive Legal Documents?
Court filings in the Davis case show that attorneys made repeated attempts to serve him with the civil complaint but were unable to locate him.This creates a common real-world problem:
Estate plans require up-to-date contact information for all beneficiaries, trustees, and agents
When someone cannot be located, probate proceedings can be delayed for months or years
Successor trustees and backup agents become critical when primary appointees are unavailable
3. How Do I Protect My Family from a Member with a History of Legal Troubles?
Davis has faced multiple domestic violence-related allegations throughout his career, several of which were later dropped.For California families dealing with similar situations:
Disinheritance Clauses: You can explicitly exclude individuals from your estate plan, even close family members
Conditional Inheritances: Trusts can include provisions that require beneficiaries to meet certain conditions (such as maintaining sobriety, avoiding criminal activity, or completing anger management programs)
Protective Trusts: Rather than leaving assets directly to someone with legal troubles, a protective trust managed by an independent trustee can provide for their needs while shielding assets from creditors, lawsuits, and poor decision-making
4. What About Domestic Violence Protections in Estate Planning?
The alleged victim in the Davis case had previously been in a relationship with him and had cut off communication before the incident.California law provides specific protections:
Restraining orders can prevent abusers from serving as trustees, executors, or healthcare agents
Healthcare directives can explicitly exclude certain individuals from making medical decisions
Property ownership structures can be designed to prevent abusive former partners from claiming community property rights
Real-World Application: Building a Resilient Estate Plan
Question: “What should I do if a family member I named in my trust has been arrested?”
Immediate steps to take:
Review your trust document to determine if there are automatic disqualification provisions
Consult with an estate planning attorney about amending your trust to name alternate trustees or executors
Consider whether a professional fiduciary (rather than a family member) might better serve your family’s interests
Update healthcare directives if the arrested family member was designated as your medical decision-maker
Assess whether additional asset protection strategies are needed to shield family wealth from potential judgments
Question: “How can I protect my children’s inheritance if their other parent has a history of domestic violence?”
Proven strategies include:
Creating an irrevocable trust that a neutral third party manages until children reach a responsible age
Implementing spendthrift provisions that prevent creditors and ex-spouses from accessing trust assets
Naming a professional guardian and trustee rather than the other parent
Including clear documentation of domestic violence concerns in confidential letters to trustees
The California Probate and Trust Approach to Complex Family Situations
Cases like Gervonta Davis’s arrest highlight why California families need estate planning attorneys who understand the intersection of criminal law, domestic violence protections, and wealth preservation. At California Probate and Trust, PC, we’ve helped thousands of California residents navigate these sensitive situations with compassion and expertise.
Our approach includes:
Confidential consultations where you can discuss family challenges without judgment
Tailored asset protection strategies designed to shield your wealth from legal complications
Clear documentation that protects vulnerable family members while respecting your wishes
Ongoing support as your family circumstances change
Take Action to Protect Your Family Today
Don’t wait until a family crisis forces you to make rushed decisions about your estate plan. Whether you’re concerned about a family member’s legal troubles, need to update outdated documents, or want to ensure your loved ones are protected from future complications, California Probate and Trust, PC offers free consultations to California residents.
Schedule your free estate planning consultation:
Call (866) 674-1130
Visit cpt.law
Offices in Fair Oaks, Sacramento, and San Francisco
Our experienced attorneys will help you understand your options, answer questions like “How can I protect my family from legal complications?” and “What happens if someone I named in my trust is arrested?” and develop a comprehensive plan that provides true peace of mind.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information presented about the Gervonta Davis case is based on publicly available news reports and should not be considered a legal analysis of that specific case. Every family’s situation is unique, and estate planning strategies must be tailored to your specific circumstances under California law. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship. For personalized legal guidance regarding your estate planning needs, criminal law concerns, or asset protection strategies, please schedule a consultation with a qualified California estate planning attorney. California Probate and Trust, PC is not affiliated with Gervonta Davis or any parties involved in the referenced legal proceedings.
