Celebrity Will Struggle an Example to Avoid

The legal battle between the sons of Aretha Franklin is a high-profile example of the consequences if you don’t get your affairs in order.

The legendary singer died from pancreatic cancer in 2018, with an estate worth millions apparently left with no Will or instructions in place. The legal expectation would be for the estate to be shared equally among her children.

However, months later, handwritten wills were discovered at her home, including one hidden under a sofa cushion.

These two documents – one from 2010 and one from 2014 – held differing instructions for what was left behind and conditions for the children to receive the fortune, with different executors named on each document.

It took a five-year-long legal struggle to reach a final conclusion that the 2014 document was the one to be adhered to.

The problem

The issue here is the distress, confusion, and potential for a family rift caused by a lack of clarity. If a clear, legally binding document had been stored safely in a secure location, with that location information given to those involved, the matter would have been much more straightforward.

Instead, there were two documents discovered separately resulting in a difference of opinion in the family that couldn’t be resolved amicably and had to be settled through a costly legal process.

Call Winns for support

Winn Solicitors has a dedicated and experienced team of legal professionals that specialise in the creation of Wills. For a compassionate and comprehensive service that seeks to deliver on your wishes, call them today.

Call now

Share this article