Unfortunately, Robin Williams estate planning trouble appears to be getting worse. Months ago it was revealed that his children and former wife were at odds in a California probate court. That simmering dispute has finally erupted into a full-fledged legal battle, with both sides scheduled to appear before a judge this week.
Whats going on?
Williams three children, Zachary, Zelda and Cody, are embroiled in a legal dispute with Williams former wife, Susan. The children claim that Susan has kept them out of their fathers house in Tiburon, CA and has denied access to various personal items that were left to them in their fathers will. Susan claims that the house in Tiburon and all its contents were left to her in the will and that the children are entitled to items that are in another of Williams homes in Napa Valley.
The dispute seems silly on the surface in that it does not involve the late actors millions of dollars. Instead, the fight is over old clothes, some watches, awards and other personal items. Specifically, the children have mentioned old photographs, a promise ring, one of Williams tuxedos and many other items of significant sentimental value, but little economic value.
Why?
This might be a difficult question for anyone other than a member of Williams family to properly answer. That being said, the why is often the same across all those families where such disputes occur: hurt feelings, grief, anger, old grudges, etc. When someone dies, especially when that death is unexpected, those that survive can turn on one another, having nowhere else to go to vent their grief and anger. Its clear from various news reports indicate that Williams left enough money behind to ensure that his current wife and children are well taken care of for the rest of their lives, many millions of dollars each.
The bottom line is that this dispute isnt about money. None of them is clamoring for clothing and watches to make a quick buck. Its about emotion and the desire to hold onto items that remind you of someone who is no longer around.
Takeaways
The lesson here is that money isnt everything. Though you may think the real nasty fights will involve trust funds or giant bank accounts, the reality is often very different. Instead, common sources of trouble include personal items, which are either nearly worthless or easily replaced. The issue, like many in the estate planning world, is an emotional one, not financial. As a result, anyone considering drawing up plans needs to spend some serious time weighing decisions based on the potential emotional impact they may have.
Rather than simply relegate personal property to the lowest priority rung, as many people do, spend more time carefully considering who will get which items. After all, money is just money, but a favorite piece of jewelry or article of clothing or piece of art that carries memories of a loved one can be impossible to replace and end up being the source of a divisive fight amongst your heirs. Spending more time tackling the subject of dividing personal property now could save your family lots of heartbreak down the road.
Minnesota Estate Planning Attorney
An experiencedMinnesota estate planning lawyercan help walk you through the complicated process of establishing a workable estate plan. For more information on estate planning in Minnesota, along with a variety of other topics, contactJoseph M. FlandersofFlanders Law Firmat (612) 424-0398.
Source:Robin Williams’ wife, kids fight over his estate, by Katie Lobosco, published at Money.CNN.com.
