Over the last few decades, there have been several famous disputes over wills and estates, with many well-known celebrities passing away without leaving a will.
These disputes, because of their celebrity status and sums involved, understandably capture public attention and often involve significant estates, family tensions, and legal complexities. Public scrutiny can also intensify family tensions and prolong legal battles.
We thought you might like a reminder of some of the most notable cases:
1. Prince
When musician Prince died in 2016 without a will, his estimated $200+ million estate became the subject of a lengthy and complex legal battle. Numerous individuals claimed to be heirs, and the lack of clear instructions led to years of court proceedings, significant legal costs, and delays in distributing his assets.
2. Aretha Franklin
The “Queen of Soul” passed away in 2018 and was originally thought to have no will. Later, multiple handwritten wills were discovered in her home, some with conflicting provisions. The court had the onerous job of determining which, if any, were valid.
3. Anne Nicola Smith
Model and actress Anna Nicole Smith’s dispute centred on the estate of her late husband, oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall. The battle over his fortune went on for decades, involving multiple court cases in both the US and UK, and ultimately reaching the US Supreme Court.
4. Michael Jackson
Following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, disputes emerged between family members, executors, and business managers over the administration of his estate, guardianship of his children, and control of his musical legacy. His will was challenged, but ultimately upheld, with his estate now considered one of the most lucrative in entertainment history.
5. Robin Williams
After the comedian died in 2014, a dispute arose between his widow and his children from a previous marriage regarding the distribution of personal possessions and memorabilia. The disagreement was eventually settled out of court, but it underscored the potential for conflict even when a will exists.
6. James Brown
The “Godfather of Soul” died in 2006, sparking a legal battle over his will and charitable trust that lasted over a decade. Family members and former partners challenged the validity of the will, and the estate was tied up in litigation, delaying the distribution of assets intended for scholarships and education.
There are, of course, many more high-profile disputes which serve as a cautionary tale, and whilst most of our own estates may not resemble those of the rich and famous, there are lessons to be learned from the legal battles played out in the media, and which show that having a clear up-to-date will is critical, regardless of the size of the estate.
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