Wealthy Widow Fights Girlfriend Over $13 Million NYC Mansion

A high-stakes legal battle has emerged over a luxurious $13 million townhouse located at 111 E. 81st St. in Manhattan. The dispute involves the estranged wife of a recently deceased executive and his girlfriend, who allegedly refuses to vacate the property. The townhouse, owned by 111 NYC LLC, is at the center of a lawsuit after Craig Schmeizer, a mattress entrepreneur, passed away on November 20, 2025.

The lawsuit has been brought against Hilarie Page, Schmeizer’s girlfriend, who reportedly remains in the townhouse and is obstructing estate representatives from accessing the property. Sarah Shalev, Schmeizer’s estranged wife and a neurologist, serves as the trustee of the two family trusts that control the LLC and is identified in court documents as the personal representative under Schmeizer’s will.

According to the complaint obtained by media sources, Page was initially permitted to occupy the townhouse with Schmeizer’s consent. However, the lawsuit argues that her right to remain in the property ended with Schmeizer’s death. The filing states, “Page has no right to use or occupy any portion of the Building” following the termination of her license.

Efforts by Shalev and her representatives to gain access to the townhouse have been unsuccessful, with Page allegedly refusing to cooperate. The situation escalated in early February when Shalev and her legal team attempted to enter the residence, leading to a confrontation. Shalev described her conversation with Page as “extremely hostile,” with Page asserting her intention to remain in the house.

The estate argues that the ongoing stalemate poses significant risks to valuable assets within the home. Court documents reveal that the estate needs to inventory items including a wine cellar filled with valuable bottles and artwork, which requires proper care for insurance purposes. The estate also seeks access to financial records related to Schmeizer’s affairs and wishes to locate any new will.

The complaint highlights financial concerns regarding the property itself. The estate claims, “The Building does not generate any income from which to pay the costs associated with the ownership and maintenance thereof.” As a result, the estate believes the townhouse must be sold, which necessitates access for brokers and inspectors.

The urgency of the matter has increased, with the estate’s attorney informing the court that the townhouse’s insurance policy has expired. The estate managed to secure conditional coverage, contingent upon an inspection within 14 days, which Page is allegedly blocking. An email from the insurance broker filed with the court indicated that the insurance company was unwilling to offer a policy without access for inspection.

In addition to seeking court-ordered access to the property, the LLC is requesting compensation for the use of the townhouse, which it estimates at $49,000 per month from the date of Schmeizer’s death until possession is regained. This legal battle underscores the complexities that can arise in estate disputes, especially involving significant assets and personal relationships.