When you write a will, your estate becomes vulnerable to probate litigation (as opposed to a living trust). When you are related to the Godfather of Soul, there are many, many reasons (read: dollars) to litigate over a contested stake. Elvis Presley’s estate earned $49 million last year; John Lennon’s took in $44 million. True to form, not fewer than 5 of Brown’s 6 recognized children are contesting the share left to them, and Brown’s fourth wife claims she had his 7th child – which would be owed a share under the pretermitted-omitted child doctrine.

At the present time not much remains in Brown’s estate. Although there have been opportunities to earn money through the production of television shows and movies (the latter to be written/directed by Spike Lee), the potential suitors have been scared away by the prospect of litigation. When the judge overseeing the estate administration asked to see all lead counsel in chambers, no less than twenty-one lawyers stood up. That would send a chill down any estate lawyer’s spine, and certainly the Godfather cannot feel good about the result. Read more about the story here, thanks to Professor Beyer for highlighting the ongoing dispute here.

Filed under: Estate Planning of the Rich and Famous, Probate, Probate Litigation, Will Contests