Cain and Abel, meet David and Daniel.

Former New York Governor David Paterson has filed a lawsuit accusing his brother, Daniel, of fraudulently claiming their mother’s inheritance. Paterson alleges Daniel, 67, manipulated their elderly mother into transferring over $7 million before her passing, using undue influence and coercion.

The lawsuit states Daniel and his wife Eloise bypassed a will that mandated a 50-50 split of their mother Portia’s estate, depriving David of approximately $3.5 million. Court documents detail how Portia transferred assets exceeding $7 million to Daniel and Eloise’s accounts.

Following her death in July at age 94, Daniel claimed her estate was worth less than $30,000, including a check account and an inoperative BMW. Paterson, who served as the 55th governor of New York from 2008-2010, is suing his brother, sister-in-law, and nephews for his portion.

His attorney, Paul W. Siegert, stated, “Everyone kept it secret until we discovered the transfer of assets prior to her death.” He added that the estate was substantial but concealed. Daniel, who works in the court system’s diversity office, dismissed inquiries, saying, “This must be a scam call,” and hung up.

Portia, a longtime educator and advocate for disabled students, was married to Basil Paterson, the first Black NY Secretary of State. Paterson claims he only learned about the alleged theft last month after Daniel filed an affidavit settling her estate, claiming it was valued at less than $30,000.

According to the affidavit, her remaining assets included a small checking account and a BMW valued at $2,000, with funeral expenses deducted, leaving Paterson about $10,250 from her estate. He was shocked to discover the deception, as his mother’s estate was initially sizable.

Siegert emphasized, “Her lawyer of 30 years was unaware she transferred $7 million.” He added that Daniel allegedly did not notify estate lawyers of her death and kept these transactions secret.

“How could she pass away in July 2024 and we only find out nearly a year later that her estate is worth just over $21,000? Draw your own conclusions,” Siegert remarked.

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Portia Paterson was a dedicated teacher and advocate for disabled students. Her son, David, is legally blind.

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Siegert mentioned that even her long-time lawyer, who drafted her will, was unaware of the $7 million transfer. Daniel, the estate’s executor, reportedly did not notify her legal representatives after her passing.

Siegert noted, “We only found out her estate wasn’t being probated, and that her net worth was only $21,500—nearly a year after her death.”

Portia, who was married to Basil Paterson for 61 years, was a respected public figure and educator.

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“Her lawyer of decades didn’t know she transferred $7 million. Even more shocking is that Daniel didn’t notify her heirs,” Siegert added.

He concluded, “How she died in July 2024 and we’re only now discovering her estate’s true size, raises serious questions. You draw your own conclusions.”