“In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.”
-Benjamin Franklin
For the last 4 years, Aretha Franklin’s children have been in a court battle over which handwritten document should be considered as the singer’s valid Last Will and Testament.
Two of Aretha’s children, Edward and Kecalf, believe that a 2014 handwritten note that was found in a couch cushion should be considered their mother’s Will, while her other son, Teddy, claims another handwritten note found in a cabinet from 2010 should be considered valid.
After deliberation, a Michigan jury has concluded that the 2014 handwritten document will stand as the singer’s valid Last Will and Testament.
However, the story doesn’t end there. There may be more time in court for the family regarding the distribution of the estate assets.
In Texas, any interested person can legally dispute a Last Will and Testaments validity by filing a formal lawsuit. An “interested person” can be someone like a beneficiary or child. Also, under Texas state law, an individual can only contest a Last Will and Testament within 2 years from the date that it was admitted into Probate. The process of contesting a Will in Texas can be complicated.
With an estate estimated to be worth $80 million dollars, it’s hard to believe Aretha Franklin never had a formal Last Will and Testament. She could have saved her family from all the time and money spent by having a formal Last Will and Testament.
This story is a reminder of how important it is to have your Estate Planning documents in place. Being prepared can save your loved ones time, money, and stress.
The first step is always the hardest. Our team of experienced Dallas Probate and Last Will and Testament Attorneys are here to help.
Call our office today at 214-974-8940 or contact us online to speak with one of our Dallas Attorneys.