Inheritance disputes and probate issues naturally arise from time to time. Whether somebody hasn’t left a will, or somebody doesn’t agree with the documents left behind, issues will crop up. Normally these cases are minor and don’t involve too much money, but sometimes high-profile inheritance disputes are public knowledge.
Here are some of the biggest and highest-profile inheritance disputes.
Picasso & His Paintings
Pablo Picasso lived to the age of 91, with a massive estate that was estimated to be worth around 250 million dollars. After his death, it took years to sort out the inheritance, as he had had several children out of wedlock and numerous grandchildren that were not legally recognised. After 6 years of legal debate, the estate was finally settled amongst 6 heirs.
The Hendrix Estate
Jimi Hendrix was one of the most influential guitarists of his time when his life was tragically cut short by a drug overdose in 1970 aged 27. He left no will before he died and his attorney managed his estate for 20 years. This is until Jimi’s father Al Hendrix sued for the rights to manage his music.
Al died in 2002 and left the 80 million dollar fortune to his adopted daughter Janie. When this occurred, Jimi’s brother Leon tried to make a claim for the inheritance, which he lost. The Hendrix estate has since countersued Leon for selling merchandise that would profit off Jimi.
Mommie (Not So) Dearest
Joan Crawford was a Hollywood icon who died in 1977 with a 2 million dollar estate that would go to her children Christina and Christopher. But this did not occur as she famously disinherited the two of them, so they sued for a share of the estate, citing that Joan had been manipulated by another sibling.
They eventually received a small amount of inheritance, just $55,000, but Christina would go on to write Mommie Dearest, a biography exposing Joan as an alcoholic, cruel mother.
The Girl With The Inheritance Problem
Swedish writer Steig Larsson, the author of best-selling novels such as The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, never wrote a will when he died aged 50. His estate automatically went to his father and brother, leaving his partner of 32 years with nothing from his 27 million dollar estate.
She wanted to control the literary rights of his archive as well as her fair share, citing that it was disrespectful that another author had been hired to finish Larsson’s incomplete novel found on his computer.
Richards & Lewis – Reliable Probate Lawyers
If you’re worried about what will happen when you’re gone to your estate, it is best to consult with experts on wills and probate. Richards & Lewis are experienced wills and probate solicitors who can help you to write your will and ensure the execution of the will goes ahead soundly after you are gone.
We can help to take the pressure and stress off of you, so you can focus on spending time with your loved ones, knowing everything is dealt with. Get in touch today to enquire about our services.