Court Awards Israeli Scientist's Estate Manager $200,000 Fee

A Tel Aviv family court judge has awarded Y.G., the court-appointed guardian of a deceased multi-millionaire scientist, NIS 750,000 (approximately $200,000 USD) in fees, a fraction of the NIS 14.4 million he requested. Judge Gali Ron of the Tel Aviv Family Court emphasized that the awarded sum, representing about 5% of the requested amount, is exceptionally high due to the unique circumstances of the case. All individuals involved are barred from publication.

Y.G. was appointed guardian in 2018 due to the medical condition of the renowned scientist, who possessed global assets, including patents, valued in the hundreds of millions of shekels. During his tenure, Y.G. managed complex legal proceedings in Israel and the U.S., dealt with the scientist's estranged wife, tax authorities, investments, and registered three real estate properties. The scientist passed away in July 2025, and the current proceedings involved his three children.

Y.G. claimed his management generated NIS 500 million in profits and prevented losses for the scientist, arguing he was entitled to 2% of this sum. He also sought 0.5% of the NIS 560 million managed between 2019-2023 and NIS 234 million in the following two years, plus fees for real estate transactions, including the sale of the scientist's home for NIS 6.3 million, and NIS 100,000 in expenses.

The scientist's children contested the request, calling it "outrageous and baseless" and exceeding statutory fee limits. They alleged Y.G. sought to enrich himself, claiming he billed for actions taken before his appointment and for services already compensated. Judge Ron noted that standard regulations set monthly fees of NIS 470 or NIS 353 depending on the ward's living situation, with potential for higher fees in exceptional cases, but found no basis for Y.G.'s claimed NIS 500 million benefit.

Despite acknowledging the significant scope of Y.G.'s work, including managing substantial assets and international legal affairs, Judge Ron stated that the requested fee was unprecedented. She ultimately determined a reasonable fee of NIS 10,000 per month, totaling NIS 720,000, plus additional amounts for specific transactions and expenses, leading to the final NIS 750,000 award. The judge stressed this exceptional sum should not set a precedent for ordinary cases.