Chain of Fools

When Aretha Franklin died last week after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, she allegedly did not leave a will.   She is survived by her four sons, one of whom has special needs, who will receive equal shares of her estate.  Her niece asked to be appointed as representative of her $80 million estate.  Aretha’s copyright attorney told reporters that when there is no will, “there will always end up being a fight.”

Some points of relevant interest:

1.  No one wins a long battle with pancreatic cancer.  See Jobs, Steve.  Prepare a will.

2.  When a woman dies without a will, there should not be a dispute because there are no illegitimate children to contest heirship.

3.  The niece’s fee for serving as personal rep. could be $1.6 million.  One of the sons should have first dibs on this role.

4.  Surprisingly, Madonna did not ask to be appointed as personal representative.

Photo Credit:  Jae C. Hong/AP
License:  Fair Use/Education (from linked article)