An unorthodox will: A reflection on the ‘Queen of Soul,’ her legacy and the importance of estate planning

By Ericka Alston Buck, Particular to the AFRO

Often called the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, left an indelible mark on the music business, charming audiences worldwide together with her highly effective voice and iconic hits. Although she was a famous person in life, her posthumous authorized battles have shone a highlight on the complexities of her property, elevating consciousness in regards to the significance of correct property planning. In a stunning flip of occasions, a decide not too long ago honored a handwritten will from 2014. The decide cut up the true property between Franklin’s sons, marking a milestone within the five-year authorized dispute.

An unconventional will

Aretha Franklin’s property saga took a brand new twist as a Detroit-area decide dominated in favor of her sons, citing a handwritten will from 2014 that had been found in an unconventional location—between the cushions of a sofa. The choice got here 4 months after a jury validated the doc, regardless of its scribbles and hard-to-read passages. Franklin’s signature, adorned with a smiley face within the letter “A,” sealed the doc’s legitimacy beneath Michigan legislation.

The 2014 will discovered within the sofa, in response to the decide, overrides one other beforehand found handwritten will from 2010, discovered at Franklin’s suburban Detroit dwelling in 2019. The authorized tussle ensued after the invention of those conflicting paperwork, resulting in a chronic battle amongst Franklin’s sons over the distribution of her actual property and different property.

Actual property distribution

The decide’s determination to award actual property to Franklin’s sons represents a big step ahead in resolving the property’s complexities. The properties, together with a Bloomfield Hills residence valued at $1.1 million in 2018, have been allotted amongst her sons in accordance with the 2014 will. Kecalf Franklin and his youngsters obtained the mom’s predominant dwelling, whereas her second son, Edward, was given a unique property. Franklin’s third son, Ted White Jr., inherited a separate home in Detroit. The home in Detroit was initially earmarked for Ted White II, who supported the handwritten 2010 will. Nonetheless, this home was offered for $300,000 earlier than the invention of the conflicting wills.

Authorized implications and property planning

The Aretha Franklin property saga highlights the significance of correct property planning and the potential issues that may come up within the absence of a transparent and legally sound will. Franklin’s lack of a proper will on the time of her loss of life in 2018 triggered a chronic feud amongst her 4 youngsters, leading to a five-year authorized battle.

An area legal professional with property litigation expertise, Orlando Mayo, mentioned that this protracted authorized drama may have been averted with the correct paperwork in place from the start. Mayo additional explains “Loss of life locations many stressors on households, from grief to monetary burdens.  Correct planning reduces these stressors.” Mayo additionally mentioned. “Due to improper planning, the legendary Aretha Franklin’s legacy is now being determined by strangers.”  He added that regardless of the fee, searching for skilled steering ensures that a person’s needs are fulfilled with out inflicting familial discord and authorized disputes.

Aretha Franklin’s legacy extends past her musical achievements to a courtroom drama that underscores the significance of property planning. The invention of an unorthodox handwritten will in a sofa and the next authorized battles amongst her sons function a cautionary story for people who might underestimate the need of a transparent and legally binding will. As we replicate on the Queen of Soul’s life, it’s an opportune second to think about our personal legacies and the significance of taking proactive steps to safeguard our property and guarantee a easy transition for our family members.