Exploring the Hidden Legacy: Four Pages in a Couch Reveal Aretha Franklin’s True Will

Aretha Franklin’s True Will: A Resolution to Family Conflict

Introduction

After over four years of intense family conflict, a Michigan jury has finally decided which of two handwritten wills represents the true wishes of legendary singer Aretha Franklin for the division of her estate. The verdict, reached in a probate court in Pontiac, Michigan, declares that a four-page document written by Franklin in 2014, discovered under a couch cushion at her home months after her death in 2018, should serve as her will. This decision puts to rest the biggest issue that has plagued Franklin’s estate since her passing and paves the way for the distribution of her assets and income.

The Discovery of Wills

Initially, when Franklin died at the age of 76, her family believed that she had not left behind a will. Under Michigan law, her assets would have been divided equally among her four sons. However, in May 2019, two handwritten documents were found at Franklin’s home in suburban Detroit, one in a locked cabinet and the other in a spiral notebook in the couch. The discovery of these wills immediately divided Franklin’s children and raised questions about the distribution of her assets, including music royalties and personal items.

Validity and Comparison of Wills

Neither of the discovered documents was prepared by a lawyer, and neither listed witnesses, although the first will was notarized. It was up to the jury, in the absence of a traditionally executed will, to determine whether the 2014 document met the standards of Michigan law regarding handwritten wills. The earlier will specified weekly and monthly allowances for each of Franklin’s four sons and required two of them to pursue business education to inherit from the estate. The later will, favored by two of Franklin’s sons, divided her assets differently, allocating more to one son and his children while equalizing the distribution of music royalties among the other three sons.

Resolution and Future Distribution of Assets

With the jury’s decision in favor of the 2014 will, the sorting out of Franklin’s estate can now proceed. The document specifies that one son will receive her primary home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, along with her cars. The total value of Franklin’s estate, according to a court accounting document submitted in March, includes various properties in Michigan, personal property, furs, jewelry, music-related companies and accounts, and bank balances. However, the accounting does not estimate future earnings from the licensing rights of Franklin’s music.

Implications and Considerations

The case of Aretha Franklin’s will highlights several important issues that touch on family dynamics, the validity of handwritten wills, and the distribution of assets.

Familial Conflict and Emotional Toll

The courtroom during the trial revealed a palpable tension and coldness amongst Franklin’s sons. The dispute over the wills and the division of assets has undoubtedly taken a toll on the family, spanning over five years. Such conflicts can have long-lasting effects on familial relationships and emphasize the need for open communication and peaceful resolution.

The Validity of Handwritten Wills

The discovery of the handwritten wills raises questions about the validity and acceptability of such documents for probate purposes. While the 2014 will was found valid by the jury, arguments can still be made to incorporate aspects of the earlier document into the estate plan. This case underscores the importance of clarity and proper execution in estate planning to minimize potential disputes.

Asset Distribution and Fairness

The differing provisions of the two wills highlight the challenge of identifying an equitable distribution of assets, especially in complex family situations. The jury’s decision may not entirely satisfy all parties involved, but it provides a resolution that complies with Michigan law. Open and honest discussions about wealth distribution within families can help avoid unnecessary conflicts and ensure fairness.

Conclusion

The resolution of the conflict surrounding Aretha Franklin’s estate through the validation of her 2014 handwritten will brings closure to a contentious chapter in the lives of her family members. The case emphasizes the importance of clear communication, proper execution of wills, and fair asset distribution to prevent prolonged legal battles. As individuals, it is crucial to engage in thoughtful estate planning and open conversations with loved ones to minimize the potential for posthumous disputes and to provide clarity and peace of mind to those we leave behind.