By Ericka Alston Buck,
Special to the AFRO
Known as the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, left an indelible mark on the music industry, captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful voice and iconic hits. Though she was a superstar in life, her posthumous legal battles have shone a spotlight on the complexities of her estate, raising awareness about the significance of proper estate planning. In a surprising turn of events, a judge recently honored a handwritten will from 2014. The judge split the real estate between Franklin’s sons, marking a milestone in the five-year legal dispute.
age 76. (Aretha Franklin: AFRO File Photo)
An unconventional will
Aretha Franklin’s estate saga took a new twist as a Detroit-area judge ruled in favor of her sons, citing a handwritten will from 2014 that had been discovered in an unconventional location—between the cushions of a couch. The decision came four months after a jury validated the document, despite its scribbles and hard-to-read passages. Franklin’s signature, adorned with a smiley face in the letter “A,” sealed the document’s legitimacy under Michigan law.
The 2014 will found in the couch, according to the judge, overrides another previously discovered handwritten will from 2010, found at Franklin’s suburban Detroit home in 2019. The legal tussle ensued after the discovery of these conflicting documents, leading to a prolonged battle amongst Franklin’s sons over the distribution of her real estate and other assets.
Real estate distribution
The judge’s decision to award real estate to Franklin’s sons represents a significant step forward in resolving the estate’s complexities. The properties, including a Bloomfield Hills residence valued at $1.1 million in 2018, were allocated among her sons in accordance with the 2014 will. Kecalf Franklin and his children obtained the mother’s main home, while her second son, Edward, was given a different property. Franklin’s third son, Ted White Jr., inherited a separate house in Detroit. The house in Detroit was originally earmarked for Ted White II, who supported the handwritten 2010 will. However, this house was sold for $300,000 before the discovery of the conflicting wills.
(AP Photo / Sarahbeth Maney/Detroit Free)
Legal implications and estate planning
The Aretha Franklin estate saga highlights the importance of proper estate planning and the potential complications that can arise in the absence of a clear and legally sound will. Franklin’s lack of a formal will at the time of her death in 2018 triggered a prolonged feud among her four children, resulting in a five-year legal battle.
A local attorney with estate litigation experience, Orlando Mayo, said that this protracted legal drama could have been avoided with the proper documents in place from the beginning. Mayo further explains “Death places many stressors on families, from grief to financial burdens. Proper planning reduces these stressors.” Mayo also said. “Because of improper planning, the legendary Aretha Franklin’s legacy is now being decided by strangers.” He added that despite the cost, seeking professional guidance ensures that an individual’s wishes are fulfilled without causing familial discord and legal disputes.
Aretha Franklin’s legacy extends beyond her musical achievements to a courtroom drama that underscores the importance of estate planning. The discovery of an unorthodox handwritten will in a couch and the subsequent legal battles among her sons serve as a cautionary tale for individuals who may underestimate the necessity of a clear and legally binding will. As we reflect on the Queen of Soul’s life, it’s an opportune moment to consider our own legacies and the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard our assets and ensure a smooth transition for our loved ones.
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