Robin Williams' Family Fight Over His Estate
Robin Williams may be resting in peace, but his family isn't co-existing peacefully.
Months after Robin Williams died, his children and widow are still in a bitter battle over his estate. While Williams had a will dividing up his property, the fight centers on interpretation of certain provisions in that will.
The Provisions
In his will, Williams left his wife, Susan Williams, their house in Tiburon to live in during her lifetime. He also granted her a sum of money to maintain the home.
To his three children, Williams left them his home in Napa, all proceeds coming from that home, all his memorabilia and awards in the entertainment industry, clothing, jewelry, and other personal items.
The Dispute
The two parties are currently fighting over how to divide Williams' personal property and how much Susan should get to maintain the home.
Williams children argue that they are entitled to all of Williams' personal property as was laid out in the will. Susan claims that the children should only get Williams' property inside of the Napa home. Susan wants all of Williams stuff in the Tiburon home. Susan also wants to keep Williams slippers, boxers, and T-shirts.
Right now, the two sides are trying to work out the division among themselves through mediation.
Tips for Making Your Own Will
Do you have a will? If you don't want your family fighting over your property or spending thousands of dollars and years going through a long probate, you should definitely write one. Here are some helpful articles on writing a will:
- Are You Ever Too Young to Write a Will? Most states say you have to be at least 18-years-old to write a will. But, if you have assets now, why wait until your 80s to write a will?
- Can You Write Your Own Will? If you have a very simple estate with little assets, then, sure, you can write your own will. But if you have a lot of assets or a complicated estate plan, you may want the help of a lawyer.
- 5 Things You Must Do After Writing Your Will So you've written and signed your will. Don't rest yet. There are some other necessary steps to take.
- Changing Your Will After a Divorce Don't write your will and then forget about it. Be sure to re-read and revise your will accordingly after major life changes such as a divorce.
- Legal How-To: Revising Your Will Here is how you can make those revisions.
If you would like help writing your will, consult with an experience estate planning attorney.
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Related Resources:
- Browse Estate Planning Lawyers by Location (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
- Judge gives Robin Williams' wife, kids more time to work out estate issues (Los Angeles Times)
- Is a Handwritten Will Legally Valid? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Sample Basic Will (Annotated) (FindLaw's Learn About The Law)