Peter Falk's daughter lost a conservatorship fight to his widow and then pushed for a law

Peter Falk played Columbo. He and his first wife, Alyce Mayo, adopted two daughters, Catherine and Jacqueline. In 1977 he married actress Shera Danese. After hip surgery in 2008 he developed dementia. In December 2008 Catherine petitioned to be his conservator. She testified that Shera had not let her see or speak to him since the surgery and had shut the door on the daughters for years. Shera's court papers said Catherine was estranged and questioned her motive. Shera's lawyer cross-examined Catherine about her interest in the estate. In May 2009 Probate Judge Aviva Bobb said she was inclined to side with the wife but wanted the daughter assured of visits. Shera was appointed conservator. Catherine alleged that Shera kept limiting contact, did not tell the daughters when Falk died in June 2011 at 83, and did not tell them when he was buried. Catherine then campaigned for "Peter Falk's Law," which protects visits and notice between ailing parents and their children. New York passed a version in 2015^†. Jacqueline Falk died in Los Angeles on April 27, 2026, at 60. Her death was ruled a suicide. Catherine is her only surviving sibling.