To most eyes, the property seems like a lavish, eight-acre estate in the peaceful hills of central Los Angeles. However, those who know better understand that the pristine convent is at the center of a prolonged real estate dispute involving the most unlikely opponents: the Sisters of the Most Holy and Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary and pop diva Katy Perry. The dispute began over a year ago and shows no evidence of ending soon.
Two sisters bought the property for their community in the 1970’s and claim it is theirs to sell. However, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles says that the rule of the religious order to which the sisters belong relinquishes ownership of all the sisters’ assets to the Church. Because of this, the archdiocese asserts the right to sell the property. The archdiocese accepted an offer from pop star Katy Perry for $14.5 million. Before the deal was settled, the nuns sold the property to a restaurateur for $15.5 million.
A county judge ruled that the nuns were wrong to have sold the estate without consulting the archdiocese. However, a superior court ruling overturned that decision saying that the Los Angeles County judge overstepped her discretion by denying the nuns a fair opportunity to gather information. Another hearing is scheduled in the near future to determine the status of the litigants before the case continues.
While not every real estate dispute involves nuns and archbishops, many can be just as complex and important to each side. Having an experienced attorney to guide one through the process is invaluable. Disputes involving property can potentially take many months to resolve, and a dedicated lawyer will stand by a client to protect his or her interests.
Source: laist.com, “Katy Perry Still Isn’t Able To Buy The Los Feliz Convent She So Dearly Wants”, Matt Tinoco, Oct. 1, 2016