Unsettled Final Wishes: Aretha Franklin’s Estate Dispute Heads to Trial

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, left behind a legacy of music and talent when she passed away five years ago. However, her final wishes regarding her estate remain unsettled, leading to a unique trial to determine which of two handwritten wills will guide the handling of her assets.

Despite years of health problems, Franklin did not have a formal, typewritten will in place at the time of her death. Instead, two handwritten wills, one dated in 2010 and another in 2014, were discovered in her suburban Detroit home. The dispute over which document should control the estate has pitted one son against the others, with each side advocating for a different will.

The trial, set to begin next Monday, will delve into the details of the two wills, including provisions for the distribution of assets, management of Franklin’s legacy and royalties, and the care of her oldest son, Clarence. The documents also outline specific requirements for the beneficiaries, such as business classes for some of the sons and the potential auctioning of Franklin’s iconic gowns.

Legal experts emphasize the importance of determining Franklin’s intent behind the handwritten wills, as Michigan law allows for informal wills as long as certain criteria are met. The trial is expected to be a contentious battle, with the outcome potentially impacting the future management of Franklin’s estate and legacy.

As the case unfolds, the public will have a glimpse into the complexities of estate planning and the challenges that can arise when final wishes are not clearly documented. Stay tuned for updates on this intriguing legal battle over the Queen of Soul’s estate.