Stercula v. Wengert, Heimbach, and Wilson - Forged Deed Case

DE Court of Chancery Opinions

Filed February 27th, 2026

Detected February 28th, 2026

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Summary

The Delaware Court of Chancery ruled against Larry Stercula in his claim that a deed transferring property was forged. The court found that Stercula failed to prove the deed was forged and ruled in favor of the defendants, upholding the property transfer.

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What changed

The Delaware Court of Chancery has issued a final decision in the case of Larry Stercula v. Violet Wengert, Bruce Heimbach, and Jay K. Wilson (C.A. No. 2022-0667-DH). The court ruled in favor of the defendants, finding that the plaintiff, Larry Stercula, failed to prove that the deed transferring real estate was forged. Stercula had sought to recover the property, alleging his former paramour, Violet Wengert, conspired with Bruce Heimbach to forge his name on the deed when it was transferred to Wengert in 2016, and that Wengert subsequently sold it to Jay Wilson.

This decision means the property transfer stands as valid, and Stercula's claims for recovery and constructive trust have been denied. For legal professionals and courts, this case reinforces the burden of proof required to demonstrate deed forgery in real estate disputes. No specific compliance actions or deadlines are imposed on regulated entities, as this is a specific civil litigation outcome.