The amazingly talented Aretha Franklin died recently, and there has been much talk about some of the goings-on that occurred at her funeral.
Though in the public eye for much of her life, Aretha was an immensely private person, so much so that she did not write a Will.
A lawyer chased her for 28 years to set up a trust or to write a Will, telling her that everything would be made public if she did not do so. Unfortunately she did not heed his advice before she died.
Not only is it highly likely that there will be a court case required to resolve Aretha’s estate, it will all now be in the public domain, something that Aretha would have shunned throughout her life.
Read this article in the Sydney Morning Herald for the full story.
No matter whether you’re famous or not, you should have a Will.
Give Martin Bullock Lawyers a call on 02 9687 9322 if you want your affairs to remain private and if you want to ensure that your estate is left to the people you nominate, rather than a formula.