Full opinion text
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER WILLIAM O. BERTELSMAN, District Judge. These cases are before the Court on numerous motions for summary judgment (Docs. 422, 423, 424, 427, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436), a motion to dismiss a counterclaim (Doc. 400), a motion to disregard the deposition testimony of Dennis B. Griffin (Doc. 541), plaintiffs’ joint motion for leave to file a surreply (Doc. 553), and objections to three orders of the United States Magistrate Judge (Does. 556, 559, 563). The Court previously heard oral argument on these motions, after which it took them under advisement. (Doc. 565) (Minute Entry). After further study, the Court now issues the following Memorandum Opinion and Order. TABLE OF CONTENTS I.Factual and Procedural Background II. Analysis A. Discovery/Evidentiary Matters 1. The Court overrules all objections to the orders of the Magistrate Judge. 792 2. The Court denies Defendants’ motion to disregard Dennis Griffin’s deposition testimony. 793 B. Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Related Tort Claims 1. The Court denies Defendants’ motion for summary judgment to the extent that it alleges Plaintiffs’ claims for breach of fiduciary duty are barred by the statute of limitations. 795 2. The Court holds that Dennis and Griffy breached their fiduciary duties to the Holt plaintiffs as a matter of law with respect to the claims arising out of the 1985-86 stock transactions. 796 a. The Court holds that a triable issue of fact exists as to Defendants’ argument that the Holt plaintiffs would have no interest in Griffin Industries’ stock absent the 1985 plan. 797 b. The Court holds as a matter of law that the affirmative defense of res judicata does not bar the Holt plaintiffs’ claims arising out of the 1985-86 stock transactions. 798 c. The Court holds that a triable issue of fact exists with respect to the equitable defense of acquiescence to the Holt plaintiffs’ claims arising out of the 1985-86 stock transactions. 799 d. The Court holds that a triable issue of fact exists with respect to the affirmative defense of laches to the Holt plaintiffs’ claims arising out of the 1985-86 stock transactions. 799 3. The Court holds as a matter of law that Defendants are entitled to summary judgment on all claims arising out of the ownership of the Cold Spring property. 800 4. The Court holds that Dennis and Griffy breached their fiduciary duties to Plaintiffs as a matter of law with respect to the transfer of the Craig Protein stock and the sales of land to Martom Properties. Triable issues of fact remain, however, with respect to the equitable defense of acquiescence, the affirmative defense of laches, and the defense that Plaintiffs accepted the benefits of the transactions. 801 C. Professional Negligence Claims 1. The Court holds as a matter of law that the Holt plaintiffs’ claims for professional negligence against Keating, Meuthing & Klekamp are barred by the statute of limitations. 803 D. RICO Claims 1. The Court holds as a matter of law that the Holt plaintiffs cannot invoke the doctrine of equitable tolling and their claims are thus barred by the statute of limitations. 806 2. The Court holds as a matter of law that Betsy cannot invoke the doctrine of equitable tolling and her claims are thus barred by the statute of limitations. 807 E. Counterclaim Against Betsy 1. The Court holds as a matter of law that Defendants’ counterclaim against Betsy fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. 808 Factual and Procedural Background A. Introduction These cases arise out of a dispute among the children of John L. Griffin (“Father”), founder of Griffin Industries, Inc. (“the Company”), and his wife, Rosellen Griffin (“Mother”). The Griffins had twelve children, eleven of whom were living at the times relevant to this lawsuit, six boys and five girls. Founded by Father in 1943, Griffin Industries is a rendering company that grew into a multi-million dollar business with operations in several states. At all relevant times, the brothers were active in the family business. John M. Griffin (“Griffy”) and Dennis B. Griffin (“Dennis”) were board members of Griffin Industries, and Robert was the CEO and President of the Company. Plaintiffs were not involved in the management of the Company. In the present cases, four of the sisters — Elizabeth (“Betsy”), Linda, Judith (“Judy”), and Cynthia (“Cyndi”) — have sued three of their brothers: Griffy Dennis, and Robert Griffin (“Robert”), as well as other defendants. Generally speaking, plaintiffs allege that Griffy and Dennis, who were fiduciaries of their parents’ estate plans, breached their duties to plaintiffs, beneficiaries of those estates, by failing to follow the terms of their parents’ wills and trusts. Plaintiffs allege that defendants took these wrongful actions as part of their larger scheme to retain control of Griffin Industries and to enrich themselves at their sisters’ expense. B. Real Properties and Stock in Dispute Between 1964 and 1978, Father and Mother purchased land in various locations: Jackson, Mississippi (“the Jackson Property”); Henderson, Kentucky (“the Henderson property”); several properties in Pendleton County, Kentucky (“the Bradford property,” “the Jay Gee property,” and “the Adams property”); and Scott County, Indiana (“the Scott property”). These properties, which were titled in either Father’s name or in both Father and Mother’s names, were used by the Company in its operations. Griffin Industries paid all real estate taxes, insurance, and improvements on these properties, and written leases on several of the properties were made between Father and the Company. On February 8, 1974, property was purchased at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Old Alexandria Pike in Cold Spring, Kentucky (“the Cold Spring property”). The deed for the property was in the name “John L. Griffin, Trustee,” although Father was not then the trustee of any known trust. (Doc. 428-5, Deed). The property was thereafter used as Griffin Industries’ headquarters. Griffin Industries Board minutes of meetings conducted prior to this purchase state that the Board “authorized Dennis Griffin to negotiate for an option” on the property. (Doc. 430-5 at 2) (Minutes of 7/12/73). Dewey McDougal, an accountant who was employed at Griffin Industries at the time, testified that the Company, rather than Father, paid for the purchase of the Cold Spring property with Company funds. (Doc. 430-4, McDougal Decl. ¶¶ 2-3; McDougal Depo. Doc. 409-1 at 23-29). The check used to purchase the property was drawn on an account of Father’s law firm, Paxton & Seasongood, later known as Thompson, Hiñe & Flory. (Doc. 473-8). The subject line on the letter accompanying this check states: “Griffin Industries, Inc. — Cold Spring, Kentucky Property.” (Id.). Correspondence between Father’s law firm and the sellers of the Cold Spring property identifies Griffin Industries as the purchaser. (Doc. 430-118 at 14) (“This office represents Griffin Industries, Inc. and Dennis B. Griffin, its Vice President, who, on behalf of Griffin Industries, Inc. executed the September 28, 1973 agreement with you for the purchase of the Ragan estate property at the intersection of U.S. Route 27 and Old Alexandria Pike in Cold Spring, Kentucky.”). Following the purchase, McDougal placed the property in the Company’s “fixed asset register.” (Id. ¶ 4). Board meeting minutes from after the purchase reflect the Company’s plans to use Company funds to remodel and improve the Cold Spring property. (Doc. 430-8). Further, Board minutes from October 18,1974, state that the Company was taking out a mortgage to finance part of the construction of a new office building on the property: RESOLVED, FURTHER, that John L. Griffin, as Trustee, be, and he hereby is, authorized to execute, acknowledge and deliver a mortgage to said Falmouth Deposit Bank of Falmouth, Kentucky to secure said note, said mortgage to be on the real estate held of record in the name of John L. Griffin, Trustee, and acquired by the Company from George Ragan and others by deed recorded in Deed Book 143, page 42 of the Campbell County Court records. (Doc. 430-9 at 3) (emphasis added). It is undisputed that, at all relevant times, Griffin Industries paid for all taxes, maintenance, improvement, insurance, and other expenses associated with the Cold Spring property. Father’s tax returns from 1982-1985 show that he did not include the Cold Spring property on the schedules of real property from which he received rental income. (Def. MSJ Exh. 122). In 1981, Griffin Industries bought a Dublin, Georgia rendering company called Craig Protein, Inc., with Father holding 23.86 percent of its stock and Griffin Industries holding the remaining shares. C. Father’s Stroke, Mother’s Death, and Ensuing Changes Father suffered a massive stroke on Labor Day in 1983. The parties dispute the extent of his mental impairment following the stroke. At this time, Mother was also gravely ill with Parkinson’s Disease. Shortly thereafter, at defendants’ request, Leonard Meranus, outside counsel for Griffin Industries, analyzed Father’s and Mother’s estate plans. In a Memorandum dated September 27, 1983, Mera-nus’s firm opined that if Father predeceased Mother, then the “non-working children” — -i.e., those other than Dennis, Griffy, Robert, and another brother, Jim— would end up with a majority of Griffin Industries’ stock. (Doc. 428-18 at 3). On November 16,1983, Dennis and Griffy obtained power of attorney for Mother. (Doc. 428-19). Defendants also consulted Meranus in early 1984 about how to structure Griffin Industries’ stock “to insure that the four working children retain control of the Company.” (Doc. 428-21, Internal Law Firm Memorandum to Meranus). Mother died on August 20, 1985. Under the terms of her estate plan, her 15,291 shares of Griffin Industries stock and other property passed to Father, who was still alive. Under Father’s then-existing estate plan, at his death his Griffin Industries stock would pass to his eleven children in equal amounts. (Doc. 428-8 at GTE 00041, Fourth Codicil to Father’s Will). Shortly after Mother’s death, however, Dennis and Griffy took a series of actions: • On September 4, 1985, Dennis and Griffy moved the Campbell Probate Court to remove Father as Executor of Mother’s will on the grounds that he was “unable to act as such executor by reason of a recent stroke and current paralysis which have rendered him unable to appear before the Court or sign a statement declining his appointment as executor.” (Doc. 428-23). Dennis and Griffy were substituted as Co-Executors in Father’s place; • On September 25, 1985, Dennis and Griffy obtained Father’s power of attorney (Doc. 428-24); • On October 10, 1985, Dennis and Griffy had the then-Trustee of the Griffin Family Trust removed and themselves appointed as Co-Trustees; • On November 14, 1985, Father made Dennis and Griffy the Co-Trustees of Father’s 1967 Trust (Doc. 428-10 at 30); and • By letter dated November 21, 1985, Meranus indicated that Father’s ownership in the Griffin Family Trust and his stock in Griffin Industries were being transferred to Father’s 1967 Trust. (Doc. 428-25). Father’s life insurance policies were also transferred from the bank to Griffin Industries. As a result of these changes, Dennis and Griffy became Executors of their Mother’s will; had power of attorney for Father; and were Trustees for the 1967 Trust, which would receive Father’s property upon his death. D. The 1985 “Redistribution”Plan Dennis and Griffy then consulted with counsel to develop a plan to “redistribute” the Griffin Industries stock held by Mother and Father. The following key elements were chosen by Dennis and Griffy, with Meranus’s legal advice, after a meeting on November 26,1985: • Father would disclaim all the Company stock left to him by Mother. Although this caused the stock to revert to Mother’s estate, under which it should have then poured over into the trust and be distributed to all her children equally, the redistribution plan called instead for Mother’s Estate to sell that stock (13.6% of the Company) to the six brothers: • Father would sell 4% of his Company stock to his grandchildren’s trusts, thereby reducing his holding to below 50%. The grandchildren’s trusts would then give the six brothers a five-year option to re-purchase the shares at 60% of their book value; • After the sale of stock to the grandchildren, the sons would purchase Father’s remaining Company stock, but at a “minority” discount since his holding would then be less than 50%. (Doc. 428-28) (emphasis added). In total, this series of transactions would transfer 66.6% of Griffin Industries stock to the six brothers, leaving Dennis, Griffy, Robert, and Jim in control of 87.6% of the Company’s stock. A family meeting was held on November 29, 1985, at the Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. The parties agree that the above “redistribution” plan was the topic of discussion at this meeting, but they dispute what the brothers told their sisters. The sisters allege that Dennis told them that their parents’ wills were a “mess” because they had not prepared for the possibility that Mother would predecease Father; that this was causing a huge financial strain on the Company and the Company could go bankrupt; that there could be a $5 million tax bill; and that their parents intended for all the Company stock to go to the boys. (Holt Depo. Doc. 410-5 at 176; Holt Depo. Doc. 410-4 at 52-53, 60, 112-13, 116; Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 60, 66-69, 79, 90; Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 154-55). The Holt plaintiffs allege that these representations were false because: (1) the Company had previously purchased life insurance to cover its obligations to purchase Father’s Company shares upon his death; (2) their parents’ estate plans had given extensive consideration to Mother predeceasing Father; and (3) the statements were contrary to the intentions set forth in ■their parents’ estate plans. A second meeting was held shortly thereafter at Dennis’s house, attended by a financial planner. (Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 70). The planner told the girls about a local company that went bankrupt due to poor financial planning, and he explained how the 1985 plan would work. Plaintiffs allege that Dennis threatened that if the girls didn’t agree to the plan, the brothers would buy them out “here and now.” (Linda Depo. Doc. 410-5 at 177). The redistribution plan was then executed. On December 2, 1985, Father disclaimed his interest in Mother’s Company stock. (Doc. 430-20 at GII50959). In turn, Griffin Industries’ Board of Directors waived the Company’s rights to buy back Mother’s shares and terminated the stock-purchase agreement that gave it certain rights to buy back both Father’s and Mother’s shares. (Doc. 470-23). The same day, Mother’s Estate sold her stock to the six brothers for approximately $5.7 million. (Doc. 428-30) (Meranus’s notes of Drawbridge meeting; Doc. 430-20 at GII50936-57). The cash proceeds of this sale poured over into Mother’s trust. Thereafter, Dennis, Griffy, Jim, and Robert purchased Father’s shares in Griffin Industries. On or about September 3, 1987, Dennis and Griffy distributed most of Mother’s remaining estate to her trust — -just under $2 million. The money was distributed 38% to Father (because he had previously disclaimed 62% of his interest in Mother’s trust), and the rest was distributed to seven of the eleven children. (Doc. 428-39). In 1988, Dennis arranged for Star Bank, the Trustee of Mother’s trust, to take title to the Scott County property from Mother’s trust, after which the Bank then sold the property to Griffin Industries for $5,000. (Doc. 428-40) (Letter from Leonard Meranus Letter to Star Bank). Prior to this transfer, Griffin Industries had been leasing the Scott County property from Mother at an annual amount of $6, 600. (Doc. 428-41). The $5, 000 proceeds from this sale were added to Mother’s trust and distributed to the beneficiaries. A final distribution from Mother’s estate was- made on April 27, 1990. (Doc. 428-42). E. Betsy’s 1990 Federal Lawsuit By letter dated May 7, 1990, Betsy’s counsel wrote to Meranus demanding that Mother’s Estate distribute to Betsy her share of the Griffin Industries’ stock that was held in Mother’s trust at the time of her death. This letter further stated: Thereafter, the Estate’s co-executors wrongfully sold and transferred this stock to the male children and to the exclusion of the female children and the rights of Griffin Industries, Inc. These transactions contravene the terms of the Will and constitute breaches of fiduciary duties owing to, among others, Elizabeth Griffin Osborn. (Doc. 430-11). Betsy thereafter moved to vacate the final settlement and reopen Mother’s estate. The probate court, however, found that Betsy lacked standing and that her exceptions were untimely. (Doc. 430-11 at 91). Betsy filed her first lawsuit in this Court on December 7, 1990, on behalf of herself and derivatively on behalf of other shareholders, against Dennis, Griffy, Meranus, Thompson Hiñe, Star Bank, and Griffin Industries. (Cov. Civil Case No. 90-209). Betsy alleged various claims, including breach of fiduciary duty and fraud, arising out of the redistribution of the Griffin Industries’ stock in 1985-86 after Mother’s death. The Holt plaintiffs were shareholders within the derivative claim. On November 29, 1991, Dennis, Griffy, Robert, Marty, and Thomas, along with Meranus, met with Father at Thompson Hine’s offices. Meranus’s notes of this meeting state: The purpose of the meeting was to advise Mr. Griffin of the law suit which Betsy Osborn had filed against Dennis, John M., TH & F and me in United States District Court in Kentucky and to advise him that Betsy’s attorneys were attempting to obtain his medical records. It was also for the purpose of reviewing Mr. Griffin’s estate plan with him to determine whether it still reflected his wishes, and if so, to recommend certain changes in his will and trust to clarify certain points that had been raised by Betsy as to his intentions in the litigation. (Doc.- 537-5 at 2) (emphasis added). These notes state that Dennis explained Betsy’s lawsuit to Father; that he appeared upset and angry about it; that Meranus then reviewed the 1985 plan and the sale of the Griffin Industries stock from Mother’s estate to the boys; and that Father indicated his agreement that the boys should get stock and the girls should get cash. (Id.). Further, Meranus stated: I told Mr. Griffin that because of the issues Betsy had raised in the litigation, he could help clarify the situation, if he wanted to do so, by ratifying the 1985 sale of his stock to the boys and by making certain changes in his will and his trust to make it clear that only the five girls, or their heirs, would participate in his estate. I showed Mr. Griffin a Sixth Codicil to his Will and the Fourth Amendment to his Trust Agreement and asked him to read them to see if he understood them and wanted to sign them. Mr. Griffin read the documents and indicated that he wished to execute them. Mr. Griffin can articulate a number of words very clearly, including “yes” and “no.” (Id. at 3) (emphasis added). The day after this meeting, Father executed the Sixth Codicil to his will and the Fourth Amendment to his trust. The Sixth Codicil, states: “I have provided for my sons in other ways, including my sale of my Griffin Industries stock.... I now change my Will so that my other property will go to my trust as set out in my Will. In this way, my other property will go to my five daughters or their children.” (Doc. 428-8). The Fourth Amendment to the trust states: “I have provided for my sons in other ways, including my sale of my Griffin stock. I again approve that sale. I now change my [ ] Trust so that at my death, the rest of the trust property shall go to my five daughters equally, free of trust, and the trust shall end.” (Def. MSJ Exh. 106). Also during this litigation, Father executed an affidavit dated January 20, 1992, which states: 1. I want my children, including my daughter, Elizabeth Griffin Osborn, to know that I approve of the sale of my stock in Griffin Industries, Inc. to my sons. 2. I want my sons to have the company now and my daughters to have cash when I die. 3. I changed my will and my Trust to show what I want. Copies of the changes to my will and my trust are attached, [referencing the Sixth Codicil and Fourth Amendment, discussed above]. 4. I know that my daughter, Elizabeth Griffin Osborn, has sued my sons, Dennis and John M. Griffin, and my attorney, Leonard S. Meranus. I do not agree with the lawsuit and want my daughter to stop it. (Def. MSJ Exh. 106). Cyndi testified that the only thing she knew about this lawsuit was that Dennis and Griffy told her that Betsy’s husband was greedy, that they otherwise would not discuss it, and that Dennis told her that she didn’t need to know anything about it because he had it “taken care of.” (Roe-der Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 30-32). Betsy’s case settled in early 1993, but the settlement was not finalized until December. By order dated September 29, 1993, this Court noted that an offer of settlement had been made by defendants; that a fairness hearing with respect to the derivative claims was scheduled for September 24, 1993; and that defendants’ counsel were directed to mail to each shareholder of Griffin Industries a copy of an attached notice. (Case No. 90-209, Doc. 179). The attached notice stated: An offer of settlement in the above-captioned matter has been made by Defendants. A hearing to determine the fairness of the settlement with respect to the derivative claim will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 24,1993, in Courtroom 220, United States Post Office and Courthouse, 700 Scott Street, Covington, Kentucky 41012. The settlement of the derivative claim will involve the payment by Defendant Griffin Industries, Inc. of $10,000.00 to each of the following shareholders of stock in Griffin Industries or beneficiaries of trusts which were shareholders of stock on January 1,1986: Elizabeth Griffin Osborn Linda Holt Cynthia L. Roeder Thomas Griffin Janet E. Means Judith E. Prewitt Martin W. Griffin Persons objecting to such settlement must state such objection in writing by noon, 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 24, 1993, addressed to the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Room 201, 700 Scott Street, P.O. Box 1073, Coving-ton, KY 41012. A copy of the pleadings are available for inspection during normal business [hours] at the office of the Clerk of Court. (Id.). The next day, defendants’ counsel certified compliance with the Court’s order. (Case No. 90-209, Doc. 181). The docket indicates that the fairness hearing was held as scheduled. Cyndi testified that she asked Dennis about the hearing, telling him she was scheduled to be on a field trip with her daughter, and Dennis said that she didn’t need to attend and that he would “take care of it” for her. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 209-10; Doc. 410-3 at 209-11). Judy testified that she never received any notice regarding the fairness hearing. (Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 39, 188,191). Cyndi testified that she was not aware that the Court had approved any settlement in the case. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 207). Linda testified that Griffy showed her, Cyndi, and Judy a document related to the settlement of Betsy’s case, which he told them they needed to sign. (Holt Depo. Doc. 413-1 at 54). Linda asked him what it was, and he told her it didn’t concern her. (Id.). Judy asked Griffy exactly what Betsy got, and he said “very damn little.” (Id. at 55). Cyndi testified similarly. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 196-98). Judy also testified that Denny said the document did not pertain to them but they had to sign it; that it would bring the family back together and keep Father off the stand; and that he said that “whatever Betsy would settle for that the girls would also receive.” (Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 36-37). Judy testified that when she later received her settlement check for $10,000, she “assumed that’s what Betsy had received.” (Id. at 38). Cyndi testified that she was not aware of the terms of Betsy’s settlement. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 207). In any event, none of the Holt plaintiffs attended the fairness hearing on the derivative claims. The Court thereafter entered an order dismissing the derivative claims as settled (Doc. 182), closing the case in its entirety on December 22, 1993. (Doc. 187). Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the record of the case was sealed. Pursuant to the settlement, Father executed the Fifth Amendment to his trust and the Seventh Codicil to his will. This Codicil states: This Seventh Codicil is to my Last Will and Testament dated January 20, 1967. This Seventh Codicil is made pursuant to a Contract that I have entered into with Dennis B. Griffin, John M. Griffin, and Elizabeth Griffin Osborn on Dec. 21, 1993. I agreed in the Contract not to hereafter change the provisions of either my Last Will and Testament, or this Seventh Codicil. The terms of said Contract are incorporated herein by reference. I now change my Last Will and Testament, and all previous Codicils, to provide that all of my property is devised and bequeathed to my 1967 Trust as is set forth in my Last Will and Testament. I have previously made a Fifth Amendment to my Trust, dated this same date, which, together with this Seventh Codicil to my Last Will and Testament, will cause all of my property to yo to my five daughters or their children at my death. (Doc. 424-4) (emphasis added). This codicil expressly incorporates the settlement agreement, which stated that “all of the property that [Father] now owns, and the additions thereto or the substitutions therefore, that he has not consumed, will be divided equally among his five daughters or their children, per stirpes.” (Def. MSJ Exh. 19) (emphasis added). The Fifth Amendment to Father’s trust, executed concurrently with the Seventh Codicil, states in part: I now change my January 20,1967 Trust to provide that at my death, the Trust property shall go to my five daughters equally, free of trust, and the Trust shall end. If any of my daughters dies before me, her part shall go to her children, as the Trust now provides. All of the Trust terms which are different from this change are revoked. (Doc. 424-5) (emphasis added). Dennis and Griffy also agreed to transfer a total of 1,390 of their personal shares of Griffin Industries’ stock to Betsy and some additional shares to be held in trust for Betsy’s children; Thompson Hine agreed to pay Betsy consideration; and the parties agreed to keep the agreement confidential. (Doc. 430-23, Settlement Agreement) (filed under seal). F. Father’s Death and Ensuing Property Transfers One month after the settlement of Betsy’s lawsuit, Richard Ruebel, a member of Meranus’s law firm, wrote a memorandum to Meranus stating that he had reviewed Father’s estate plan “to determine whether and under what conditions Dennis Griffin and John M. Griffin, as the executors of Mr. Griffin’s estate and the trustees of his trust, would be authorized to sell the stock of Craig Protein which is currently owned by Mr. Griffin (or his trust).” (Doc. 428-50). Ruebel concluded that Dennis and Griffy could not make a sale of the stock to Griffin Industries “because such a sale would constitute a prohibited act of indirect self-dealing.” (Id.). After a lengthy discussion of the law of self-dealing, Rue-bel suggested that it might pass muster under Kentucky law if, prior to his death, Father granted an option to Griffin Industries to purchase the Craig Protein stock. On a document dated March 4, 1995, Father gave an “option” to purchase his Craig Protein stock to two other sons, Marty and Thomas, stating: As a favor to me and to help the family, I want you to keep working with the company. If you do, in return when I die, you will have the right [ ] to buy my Craig [Protein] stock for the price the taxes are paid on. I want all of the brothers and sisters to honor this agreement. (Doc. 430-147 at TH000679). Father died on April 9, 1995. At that time, the Jackson property, Henderson property, and Jay Gee property were held in his trust, and the Bradford property and the Adams property were still owned in his name. Father also still personally owned 1000 shares of Craig Protein stock. In an opinion letter dated May 19, 1995, Ruebel stated that he had “reviewed Kentucky law concerning the authority of an executor to sell real property which was owned by the decedent.” (Doc. 428-56). Ruebel also again discussed Kentucky law on self-dealing by fiduciaries, stating that “it is clear that you and Griffy cannot sell the real property held in Mr. Griffin’s estate to Griffin Industries without violating the rule against indirect self-dealing.” (Id.). He further stated: We think the best way to get around the problem would be to sell the property to persons or an entity in which you and Griffy have no interest, since the rule only applies to sales made to the executors themselves or entities in which the executors have an interest. For example, the real property in Mr-. Griffin’s estate could be sold to any of Bobby, Marty, and Tommy, or any one or more of them, or to a partnership of the three ■ of them. It might be a good idea to consider a partnership composed of 'some of the grandchildren (the children of you and Griffy, however, could not participate, at least until the conclusion of the estate). An alternative would be to get the ñve girls to consent to the sales, but this doesn’t seem to be a realistic possibility. (Id.) (emphasis added). On May 23, 1995, Dennis and Griffy, in their capacities as Co-Executors of Father’s estate, entered into Stock Purchase Agreements with Martin and Thomas whereby the latter agreed to purchase from Father’s estate 500 shares each of Father’s Craig Protein stock. (Doc. 428-52). Robert testified that, after Father’s death, the Griffin Industries Board — which included Dennis, Griffy, Robert, Martin, and Thomas — wanted five ‘of the above real properties “to maintain always in the ownership of somebody in upper management of the company” because “they were essential to those operations.” (Robert Depo., Doc. 415-2, at 62). ■ In July 1995, Dennis and Griffy, as Co-Executors of Father’s estate and Trustees of the trust, caused five of these properties to be sold to Martom Properties, a limited liability company whose members were children of Marty, Thomas, and Robert, ages 3 to 10. (Doc. 424-9, Deeds; Doc. 428-60, Letter). Marty and Thomas were named as managers of Martom, but the parties dispute whether they had any real management responsibilities. Griffin Industries personnel maintained the book and records of Martom and paid the company’s bills. Martom also then leased these properties to Griffin Industries for a total value of approximately $4.6 million over the ensuing sixteen years. (Doc. 424-10, Doc. 428-61). The probate record for Father’s estate contains no reference to the 1967 Trust or its assets, including the Jackson, Henderson, and Bradford properties. (Doc. 431-22). The references to the Jay Gee and Adams Properties described them as “vacant” land. The record contains a letter from Dennis to the sisters dated December 1, 1997, attached to which is a spreadsheet showing the properties Father owned at the time of his death. (Def. MSJ Exh. 83). Betsy and Judy deny ever receiving this information. (Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 168). Judy, however, remembers receiving a statement showing the property sales and amounts. (Id.). Cyndi denies ever receiving any ac-countings or financial documents pertaining to the assets in Father’s rust. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 40, Doc. 410-3 at 67-72). G. The Darling Merger and Cold Spring Title Problem In 2010, Griffin Industries entered into a merger agreement with Darling International, Inc., in which Darling acquired all of Griffin Industries’ stock. During due diligence, Darling’s title company discovered that title to the Cold Spring headquarters was held in the name of “John L. Griffin, Trustee.” (Doc. 428-65 at 3, 11/1/2010 email). In an email dated November 11, 2010, Darling’s attorney stated: “Fee title to the property is held by John Griffin’s five daughters. We will need a deed executed by the five daughters and their husbands.” (Doe. 428-66). Chris Griffin — Robert’s son and Griffin Industries’ in-house counsel — then began discussions with outside counsel, Keating, Meuthing, and Klekamp. Counsel discussed Kentucky law relied upon by the title company for the proposition that, because legal title to the Cold Spring property had always been held in Father’s name, it had passed to the daughters through his estate. (Doc. 428-67, E-mail 12/8/2010). In the meantime, on October 31, 2010, Cyndi received a list showing the shareholders of Griffin Industries as of October 1, 2010, which had been mistakenly included with tax forms the Company sent for Cyndi’s daughter. (Doc. 428-71). Cyndi testified that this was the first time she had seen such a list and that she was “horrified” to see the percentages of stock ownership. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 83-85; Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 28-32). Cyndi then shared the list with Linda and Judy, who were also “shocked.” They met at Linda’s house, and Linda called Robert, who volunteered to come over, accompanied by Griffy. (Id. at 86-87). Cyndi testified that the sisters asked a lot of questions, including why they never got stock like Betsy. Robert said they “had enough” stock. (Id.). Cyndi testified that the sisters first learned about the Cold Spring title issue at a special shareholders’ meeting on November 5, 2010. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 76, 91). Linda asked how the title issue was overlooked in the estate, and Griffy said it was a “mistake” and he would “look into it.” (Id. at 91-93). Cyndi testified that Dennis “blurted out” that Griffin Industries had been paying taxes on the property, and “he almost to the point threatened that we would have to pay back taxes on it if it was ours and he was very defensive.” (Id.) Cyndi testified that Robert said “there was a possibility it could be owned by the girls” and that he would get back to them. (Id. at 94). Judy also testified that Robert said there was a problem with the title and “he thought the girls owned the building” and that Dennis said that the girls would have to pay back taxes and for improvements done to the building. (Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 131-32). On November 14, 2010, Robert again met with the sisters and told them that Father had used the headquarters for “leasing purposes” and that the girls “had no claim on the building.” (Id. at 97). Then, on November 22, 2010, the sisters, except Betsy, attended a meeting at Company headquarters. Robert told the sisters that they needed to sign a Special Warranty Deed, which stated in part: Under Kentucky law, a deed which purports to convey title to a trustee of a trust, but which does not specifically identify the trust, by operation of law vests title in the grantee in his individual capacity. John L. Griffin died on April 9, 1995 and pursuant to the terms of his Last Will and Testament and Codicils thereto recorded in Campbell County Probate Book 1, Page 646, of the Campbell County Clerk’s records at Alexandria, Kentucky and- the terms of thé John L. Griffin Trust Agreement dated January 20,1967, as amended, First National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio, Trustee, all interest in John L. Griffin’s property passed to his daughters ... and the Trust was terminated. For the avoidance of doubt and to clarify the chain of title, Grantors hereby provide to Grantee this Special Warranty Deed. (Doc. 428-68) (emphasis added). The sisters testified that Robert told them that if they did not sign this deed, Griffin Industries would not be able to complete the merger and the shareholders would have to pay a $30 million penalty. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 100-103; Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 116-24). Louis Solimine, counsel for Griffin Industries, was also present and told the sisters that legally it was “50/50” whether the sisters or the Company owned the property. Cyndi testified that the sisters were “confused” and exasperated, and that Judy said that if Betsy sued and won, then “we get what Betsy gets” because they weren’t “getting screwed again.” (Id.; Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 145). Cyndi and Linda signed the warranty deed at this meeting. Cyndi testified that she felt like she was under a lot of pressure, especially because if they didn’t sign and the deal fell through, they could be responsible for $30 million. (Id. at 107). Judy signed the deed in December. (Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 106). On November 23, 2010, Solimine sent an email to Betsy’s counsel, explaining the title problem and stating: “Betsy’s four sisters (and their husbands) have already agreed to [sign the deed] and I already have the signatures of Cyndi, Judy and Linda.” (Doc. 428-69). He then asked that Betsy and her husband sign the deed, noting that the “other sisters did not ask for, nor did the company provide or agree to provide, any special consideration for their willingness to proceed in this matter.” (Id.). Shortly thereafter, Cyndi told Betsy that she, Judy, and Linda were not happy about the deed and that not everyone had signed it. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 109-113). After Betsy told Cyndi that So-limine had told her that everyone else had signed the deed, Cyndi called Solimine and asked for a copy of Father’s will and trust and told him to revoke her, her husband’s, and Linda’s signatures on the deed. (Holt Depo. Doc. 410-4 at 85-88). On December 4, 2010, Judy met with Robert and told him she was upset about the allocation of the Company’s stock, the sale of the Company, and the Special Warranty Deed pertaining to the Cold Spring Property. The next day, Cyndi and Linda met with Griffy and expressed similar concerns. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 117-19). Cyndi asked Griffy why they had not seen the disbursement sheet of Father’s will, and Griffy did not respond. She also asked why the sisters never got stock, and Griffy said because Dennis “thought you had enough.” On December 6, 2010, all the Griffin siblings except Betsy met at. the Cold Spring headquarters. Cyndi mentioned a conversation she remembered having with Mother about the Cold Spring property going to the girls, and Griffy became “defensive” and told her she had had a “vision.” (Roeder Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 126-31). The meeting became heated, and Janet called her sisters greedy. Cyndi testified that Griffy became angry, pointed fingers at the girls, and told them that it was because of people like them that they were selling the company, and said to her “What’s it going to take, Cyndi, two million, one million?” (Id. at 129-30; Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 146). Robert then offered each sister $200,000 to sign the Special Warranty Deed. (Roe-der Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 138-42). Griffy and Robert told Cyndi to call Betsy to see if she would agree. Cyndi did call Betsy, who said she would not agree to Robert’s proposal. (Osborn Depo. Doc. 410-7 at 20, 62; Osborn Depo. Doc. 561-2 at 198). In another family meeting the next day, Cyn-di informed everyone of Betsy’s response. (Holt Depo. Doc. 410-4 at 101) On December 13, 2010, Darling’s title counsel communicated with Solimine in numerous e-mails, reiterating the title company’s position that the Griffin daughters would need to consent to the transfer of the Cold Spring title. (Doe. 428-72). Soli-mine tersely responded that such consent was not needed because of the Trustees’ authority under Father’s trust. (Id.). In his final message, title counsel stated: “If you insist on going this route, we would insert an exception in the owner’s policy for any loss or damage arising from any claim by an heir of John L. Griffin.” (Id.). H. Reopening of .Father’s Estate and Title Transfer On December 7, 2010, Chris Griffin contacted Keating partner Joseph Callow to look into the title problem. (Doc. 428-75). It is undisputed that another Keating partner, Joseph Mellen, had been retained in 1996 to handle estate issues for the members of the Griffin family and the Griffin Family Trust. (Doc. 428-73). In October 2010, Mellen performed estate planning services for Cyndi and her family, the bill for which was not paid until February 9, 2011. (Doc. 428-74, Invoice). Nonetheless, when Callow ran a conflict check on the title matter, he listed only Betsy and her husband as adverse parties. (Doc. 428-76). On December 14, 2010, without plaintiffs’ knowledge, Dennis, as Co-Trustee of the 1967 Trust, delegated all powers and discretion with respect to the disposition of the Cold Spring property to Griffy, the Co-Trustee. (Doc. 428-80). On December 16, 2010, Griffy, assisted by Keating, filed a motion to reopen Father’s Estate in the Campbell County Probate Court. (Doc. 424-23). The same day, Callow and another Keating attorney, Claire Parrish, along with Griffy and Chris Griffin, met with the probate judge off the record. Parrish testified that Callow told the probate judge that there was a title defect with respect to the Cold Spring property that needed to be corrected. The probate judge signed an order reopening the estate the same day (Doc. 424-24), and Griffy transferred the Cold Spring property to Griffin Industries by quitclaim and fiduciary deeds for $1.00. (Docs. 424-26, 424-26). Robert, as President of Griffin Industries, accepted both deeds. The deeds state on their face that they were prepared by “Claire V. Parrish Esq., Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL,” with the firm’s address and telephone number. (Doc. 424-25, 424-26). The merger between Griffin Industries and Darling was completed the next day, December 17, 2010. Cyndi testified that Robert called her to tell her that the Company had sold, and she asked him what happened to the building, and he said “I’ll tell you sometime” but that he never did. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 409-4 at 142). However, plaintiffs also testified that they assumed, since the merger had gone through, that “the girls didn’t own the building.” (Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 142-43; Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 313). I. This Litigation 1. The Osborn Action Betsy filed her lawsuit on April 27, 2011. In her Amended Complaint (Doc. 26), Betsy challenges the sales of the Martom properties, the Craig Protein stock, and the Cold Spring property. Betsy asserts the following claims: (1) Breach of Fiduciary Duties as Trustees (Griffy and Dennis); (2) Breach of Fiduciary Duties as Executors (same); (3) Civil Conspiracy/Aiding and Abetting (all defendants); (4) Tortious Interference with Inheritance (all defendants); (5) Fraudulent Conveyance in Violation of Kentucky Revised Statutes 378.010 (Griffy and Dennis); and (6) Negligence and/or Gross Negligence Arising out of Estate and Trust Administration (Griffy and Dennis). Linda, Judy, and Cyndi testified that they read a copy of Betsy’s First Amended Complaint in December 2011. (Holt Depo. Doc. 41041 at 14; Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 24; Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 37-38). Judy testified that this was the first time that she had read a copy of Father’s will. (Prewitt Depo. Doc. 410-1 at 82). Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint on several grounds. The Court held a hearing on this motion on January 4, 2012, which Cyndi and Linda attended. (Holt Depo. Doc. 413-1 at 76; Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 33-34). The Court denied the motion to dismiss on January 5, 2012, stating: Having reviewed the written filings and heard from the parties, and being otherwise sufficiently advised, the Court finds that the facts alleged preclude a finding at this juncture that Plaintiffs claims are barred by either the statute of limitations or res judicata. The Amended Complaint makes allegations of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty permeating all of the probate and trust transactions described and perhaps tolling the statute of limitations. In the opinion of the Court, full development of the record is required for a just resolution of this matter. (Doc. 45) (emphasis added). Cyndi testified that she heard the Court discuss during this hearing the fact that the Cold Spring property had been transferred to Griffin Industries after defendants reopened Father’s estate in December 2010. (Roeder Depo. Doc. 410-3 at 314). On December 9, 2013, Betsy filed a Third Amended Complaint adding a RICO claim. (Doc. 373). 2. The Holt Action On March 8, 2013, Linda, Judy and Cyn-di filed their own lawsuit, naming as defendants Dennis, Griffy, Robert, Martom Properties, and the Keating law firm. These sisters allege that the brothers realized in the 1980s after both parents became ill that under their wills and trusts, if Father died first, the “Non-working children” would own a majority of the Griffin Industries stock. The sisters further allege that, after Mrs. Griffin died in August 1985, “the Griffin Defendants began executing a scheme to prevent the Non-Working Children from assuming control of the Company, and to garner the great bulk of the Griffin Industries stock for themselves.” (Compl. ¶ 37). The Holt plaintiffs assert the following claims: (1) RICO (Dennis, Griffy, and Robert); (2) Fraud (same); (3) Breach of Fiduciary Duty with respect to Mom’s Will (Griffy and Dennis); (4) Breach of Fiduciary Duty with respect to Dad’s Will and Trust (Griffy and Dennis); (5) Civil Conspiracy/Aiding and Abetting (Griffy, Dennis, and Robert); (6) Tortious Interference with Inheritance (Griffy, Dennis, Robert, Martom); (7) Negligence and/or Gross Negligence with respect to Mom’s Estate Administration (Griffy and Dennis); (8) Negligence and/or Gross Negligence with respect to Dad’s Estate Administration (Griffy and Dennis); and (9) Professional Negligence (KMK). Analysis A. Discovery/Evidentiary Matters Before turning to the merits of the dis-positive motions, the Court must first address several preliminary discovery and evidentiary matters. 1. Objections to Orders of the Magistrate Judge The parties object to several Orders of the United States Magistrate Judge. a. Docs 559 and 580 — Cold Spring Documents The Court finds the objections lodged by both sides to the Magistrate’s Orders entered at Doc. 559 and Doc. 580 effectively mooted given the Court’s conclusion, discussed in detail below, that equitable title in the Cold Spring property resided at all relevant times in Griffin Industries. Given that conclusion, documents reflecting actions taken by defendants in late 2010 to rectify the legal title defect do not fall within the “crime fraud” exception to the attorney-client privilege. The Magistrate Judge ultimately so concluded in his Order with respect to the documents he had ordered be produced in camera, and he therefore declined to require defendant Robert Griffin and non-party Griffin Industries to produce those documents to plaintiffs. (Doc. 580). Finally, to the -extent that any of these objections are not mooted by the Court’s rulings as to the Cold Spring property, the Court finds the Magistrate Judge’s rulings to be thorough and well reasoned, and the Court will not disturb them. b. Doc. 556 Plaintiffs object to the Magistrate Judge’s Order denying their motion to exclude certain documents relating to property acquired by Father in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as their motion to exclude expert testimony that relies on those documents. Specifically, these documents state that Father acquired the Tennessee property in his capacity as “Trustee” due to a pending corporate reorganization of Griffin Industries. Defendants thus wish to introduce the documents as circumstantial evidence of Father’s intent that the Cold Spring property, although acquired in his capacity as Trustee, also would be owned by Griffin Industries. The Court first notes that it has afforded no weight to these documents in its analysis of the Cold Spring property ownership issue. To that extent, the dispute over these documents is immaterial. Moreover, the Magistrate Judge’s conclusion that defendants’ late production of these documents was “substantially justified” and thus not subject to exclusion under Rule 37 is based on his detailed review of the record. The Court finds nothing in plaintiffs’ objections that warrants altering his conclusion. c. Doc. 563 Finally, defendants object to the Magistrate Judge’s Order determining the amount of attorneys’ fees and costs defendants must pay plaintiffs under a prior Order imposing sanctions on defendants under Rule 37 for Dennis Griffin’s failure to appear at a deposition. The Magistrate Judge concluded that plaintiffs are entitled to $9,734.50 in attorneys’ fees and $882.74 in costs. In so doing, the Magistrate Judge assessed all time entries for reasonableness and adjusted the compensable time downward from that requested by plaintiffs. Defendants’ objections to this Order largely re-argue the merits of the underlying sanctions award itself, and the Court otherwise finds nothing in the objections which justifies further decreasing the award of sanctions. 2. Deposition Testimony of Dennis Griffin The next evidentiary matter before the Court is the motion by the Griffin defendants and Martom for the Court to disregard the deposition testimony of Dennis Griffin in ruling on the motions for summary judgment. (Doe. 541). The issue of whether Dennis Griffin could be deposed was hotly litigated before the Magistrate Judge, with defendants arguing that Mr. Griffin’s health and cognitive state rendered it dangerous for him to testify and that his testimony would be unreliable. The Magistrate Judge denied defendants’ initial motion for a protective order but allowed them to submit medical evidence to support their position. (See Doc. 189 (Order)). Upon submission of medical information for review by the Court, attorneys, and experts only, the Magistrate Judge ruled that defendants had not shown that being deposed would be dangerous to Dennis’s physical or mental health. (See Doc. 248). The Magistrate Judge did allow, however, restrictions on the deposition to minimize the stress on Mr. Griffin. (Id.). This Court overruled defendants’ objections to that Order. (Doc. 293). Dennis Griffin was then deposed over two days in October 2013, and the deposition was videotaped. (Docs. 415-3, 415-4, 550). Defendants now argue that inconsistencies and inaccuracies in Dennis’s testimony render it so unreliable as to be inadmissible. (Doc. 541). However, the Court has reviewed both the written transcripts of this deposition as well as the video recordings, and it is apparent to the Court that, while Dennis’s memory may be faulty on many points, he is clearly competent to testify and his testimony, viewed as a whole, is not so lacking in meaningful, probative value that it should be excluded. Dennis is obviously a central witness in this case, and his demeanor and testimony appear to the Court to demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues herein, despite his alleged faulty recollection on many points. To the extent that Dennis testified inaccurately as to dates and events — even key ones — he would not be the first witness to do so. As with any witness, the jury can afford whatever weight it deems appropriate to Dennis’s testimony, given the surrounding facts. Moreover, some of the events at issue in this case date back many years, and many of the witnesses herein have been unable to testify to certain matters given the passage of time. Lastly, to the extent that defendants’ motion is based on their argument that plaintiffs have seized upon Dennis’s faulty memory to misrepresent his testimony or quote it out of context, the Court notes that it is more than capable of reading Dennis’s testimony on its own, and it has done so. For all the above reasons, defendants’ motion for the Court to disregard Dennis Griffin’s testimony will be denied. B. Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Related Tort Claims 1. General Fiduciary Principles “The law does not permit a person in a fiduciary capacity to handle the beneficiary’s property so as to further his own ends.” Hutchings v. Louisville Trust Co., 276 S.W.2d 461, 464 (Ky.1954). Rather, a fiduciary “owes the duty of utmost fidelity and loyalty to the beneficiary and if it appears that the trustee is guilty of such self-dealing the courts will not hesitate to declare such a transaction void.” Id. In First State Bank of Pineville v. Catron, 268 Ky. 513, 105 S.W.2d 162 (1937), Kentucky’s highest court quoted with approval the Restatement of the Law of Trusts § 170: A trustee is in a fiduciary relation to the beneficiary and as to matters within the scope of the relation he is under a duty not to profit at the expense of the beneficiary and not to enter into competition with him without his consent, unless authorized to do so by the terms of the trust or by a proper court. * * * The trustee violates his duty to the beneficiary not only where he purchases trust property for himself individually, but also where he has a personal interest in the purchase of such a substantial nature that it might affect his judgment in making the sale. Thus, a trustee violates his duty if he sells trust property to a firm of which he is a member or to a corporation in which he has a controlling or substantial interest. * * * It is immaterial that the trustee acts in good faith in purchasing the property for the trust, and that he pays a fair consideration. This is true whether he purchases for the trust property which he owns individually, or property owned by a firm of which he is a member, or property owned by a corporation in which he has a controlling or substantial interest. Id. at 166 (alterations in original). The Catron court further stated: “Courts should not only discourage the reprehensible practice of fiduciaries bartering in trust funds to their own emolument, but, by withholding sanction, should remove any temptation to allow greed and selfish interests to supplant fidelity, good faith, and honest dealing in the administration of trust funds.” Id. Trustees also have “a specific duty, inherent to the trust relationship, to provide information relating to the trust[,] and [ ] this specific duty extends to conditional or contingent beneficiaries.” JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. v. Longmeyer, 275 S.W.3d 697, 701 (Ky.2009). In addition, and perhaps most fundamentally, an executor has a duty to distribute the assets of the estate either as directed by the will or provided by law. Schlickman v. Citizens’ Nat’l Bank of Covington, 139 Ky. 268, 129 S.W. 823, 826 (1910). 2. Statute of Limitations The Griffin and Martom defendants argue that plaintiffs’ claims are all barred by the applicable statutes of limitations, each of which is five years. While defendants recognize the applicability of the discovery rule and equitable tolling doctrine, they argue that plaintiffs cannot avail themselves of those doctrines based on the evidence. Defendants also assert that plaintiffs’ claims for fraud are barred by the statute of repose. See Ky. Rev. Statutes § 413.130(3). Under Kentucky law, “[a]n estop-pel may arise to prevent a party from relying on a statute of limitation by virtue of a false representation or fraudulent concealment.” Munday v. Mayfair Diagnostic Lab., 831 S.W.2d 912, 914 (Ky.1992). The Munday court explained: Long ago a tolling statute was enacted which provides that a resident of this State who absconds or conceals himself “or by any other indirect means obstructs the prosecution of the action” shall not have the benefit of the statute of limitation so long as the obstruction continues. KRS 413.190(2). We have held that this tolling statute is simply a recognition in law of an equitable estop-pel or estoppel in pais to prevent fraudulent or inequitable application of a statute of limitation. Ordinarily, proof of fraud requires a showing of an affirmative act by the party charged. An exception to this general rule may be found in a party’s silence when the law imposes a duty to speak or disclose. From the foregoing, it may be concluded that while concealment ordinarily requires an affirmative act, where the law imposes a duty of disclosure, a failure of disclosure may constitute concealment under KRS 413.190(2), or at least amount to misleading or obstructive conduct. Id. at 914-15 (emphasis added). In its discussion, the Munday court cited Security Trust Co. v. Wilson, 307 Ky. 152, 210 S.W.2d 336 (1948). There, the plaintiffs uncle, who was executor of plaintiffs father’s estate, transferred to himself bonds that belonged to the plaintiff as beneficiary. More than twenty years later, plaintiff brought an action alleging that the transfer of the bonds was fraudulent and in violation of her uncle’s fiduciary duties. The defendants asserted defenses based on both the statute of limitations and statute of repose. 210 S.W.2d at 336-37. The Court rejected these defenses, holding that where there is a fiduciary, or other confidential relationship in which the fiduciary bears a duty of disclosure, a failure to speak constitutes a “means of obstruction” within KRS 413.190, thereby tolling the statute of limitations. Id. at 339-40. Where such concealment or obstruction occurs in the context of a fiduciary relationship, “[t]he statute of limitations does not begin to run until actual discovery of the fraud, there being no duty on the part of the injured party to exercise due diligence to discover the fraud.” Boone v. Gonzalez, 550 S.W.2d 571, 574 (Ky.Ct.App.1977). Finally, where there is such a confidential relationship, the recording of a deed or instrument does not constitute constructive notice to the injured party so as to commence the operation of the statute of limitations. See Hernandez v. Daniel, 471 S.W.2d 25, 26 (Ky.1971); Lemaster v. Caudill, 328 S.W.2d 276, 281-82 (Ky.1959). The record in this case is replete with material factual disputes about whether defendants made adequate and truthful disclosures to the plaintiffs regarding their parents’ estate plans, the settlement of Betsy’s 1990 lawsuit, and the disputed transfers of stock and real property. These disputes are for a trier of fact. Accepting plaintiffs’ testimony as to their actual discovery of the fiduciary breaches and fraud alleged, the Court thus cannot say as a matter of law that the claims are time barred. 3. Mother’s Estate and Sale of Parents’ Stock in 1985 The Holt plaintiffs assert breach of fiduciary claims against Dennis and Griffy premised on the administration of Mother’s estate in 1985-1986, the sale of stock from her estate to defendants, and the sale of Father’s Griffin Industries stock to certain grandchildren and the defendants. Betsy, of course, settled her claims based on these transactions in 1993. It is undisputed that, at the time that Mother died, her will provided that her shares in Griffin Industries stock would pass to Father, who was still alive. However, under the 1985 plan, Father disclaimed his interest in that stock. What should have happened to the stock at that moment? Under Mother’s will, the stock would have reverted to the residue of her estate, poured over into her trust, and been distributed to her children equally. That did not happen. As detailed above, Mother’s estate sold her Griffin Industries stock to the six brothers. That Stock Purchase Agreement was entered into by Dennis and Griffy as Co-Executors of Mother’s estate on one side, and by Dennis, Griffy, Robert, Jim, Thomas, and Martin on the other side. (Doc. 430-20 at GII50936). The proceeds from these sales flowed to Mother’s trust and then were distributed to the beneficiaries, including plaintiffs. Thereafter, Dennis, Gri