Daveigh Chase's six-figure estate revealed following tragic death at 35


The latest court filings shed new light on the late actress's estate


photo of daveigh chase wearing glasses© Getty Images
Faye James
Faye JamesSenior Editor
2 hours ago
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New court documents have revealed the size of Daveigh Chase's estate following the tragic death of the former child star last month.

Probate filings submitted to Los Angeles County Superior Court on July 8 estimate that the late actress, best known for voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney's Lilo & Stitch, left behind approximately $400,000 in personal property and no real estate.

According to the documents, Daveigh died without a will, prompting her mother, Cathy Chase, to petition the court to be appointed administrator of her daughter's estate.

Daveigh Chase, the voice of Lilo, at the premiere and after-party for "Lilo & Stitch" © Getty Images
Daveigh Chase, the voice of Lilo, at the premiere and after-party for "Lilo & Stitch"

The filing also requests permission for Cathy to administer the estate under California's Independent Administration of Estates Act and seeks approval of a $400,000 bond. A probate hearing has been scheduled for August 12 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The probate papers state that Daveigh died in Los Angeles on June 16 at the age of 35. The documents also indicate that the former actress was unhoused at the time of her death, while listing a Chatsworth, California, address as her last known residence.

Daveigh Chase in The Ring© Dreamworks
Daveigh Chase in The Ring

According to the filing, Daveigh never married and had no children. She is survived by her mother, Cathy Chase, and father, John Schwallier.

A separate court document includes Cathy's signed acknowledgment of the responsibilities she would assume if appointed personal representative of the estate. Those duties include safeguarding estate assets, notifying creditors, maintaining financial records and filing an inventory of the estate with the court.

Daveigh rose to fame as one of Hollywood's most recognisable child actors. She voiced Lilo Pelekai in Disney's beloved animated classic Lilo & Stitch and terrified audiences as Samara Morgan in the hit horror film The Ring.

Actress Daveigh Chase © Getty Images
Daveigh Chase died without a will

Her career also included roles in television series including Big Love and numerous other film and voice acting projects.

Following Daveigh's death, a medical examiner ruled that she died from AIDS, with chronic polysubstance use listed as another significant condition.

In the years before her death, the actress struggled with addiction and homelessness, living on Los Angeles' Skid Row.

Cathy Chase revealed she believes her daughter's addiction began after a 2016 motorcycle accident left her requiring prescription pain medication.

Daveigh Chase © FilmMagic
Daveigh died of AIDS

"She was seeking drugs and was partying with the wrong people," Cathy told Daily Mail.

"I never kicked my daughter out. She wanted freedom and these people got her hooked on some drugs. That was the beginning."

She also addressed speculation that family estrangement contributed to Daveigh's struggles.

"It upsets me because people are saying I must've been a bad mother, but I never gave up on her," she said.

"As a mother, you don't give up on your child. I was hoping she would still come home."

Cathy explained that despite repeatedly trying to help her daughter, there was little she could legally do when Daveigh refused treatment.

"I tried desperately to try to get [Daveigh] help, but you can't legally force someone who doesn't want that help," she said.

"She was completely gone, like, out of her mind. The drugs took hold of her."

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available. In the United States, you can contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.

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