A Michigan judge narrowed the issues Monday in a dispute over Aretha Franklin's estate, saying the only task for jurors is to decide whether a 2014 document handwritten by the Queen of Soul and found in couch cushions can be accepted as a valid will.
FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2008 file photo, Aretha Franklin performs during the 85th annual Christmas tree lighting at the New York Stock Exchange in New York. A Michigan judge narrowed the issues Monday, July 10, 2023 in a dispute over Franklin's estate, saying the only task for jurors is to decide whether a 2014 document handwritten by the Queen of Soul and found in couch cushions can be accepted as a valid will.
The brothers sat shoulder to shoulder behind their lawyers in Judge Jennifer Callaghan's courtroom. Another brother, Clarence Franklin, is under a guardianship and apparently is not participating in the trial. The 2014 version crossed out White’s name as executor and has Kecalf Franklin in his place. Kecalf Franklin and grandchildren would get his mother’s main home in Bloomfield Hills, which was valued at $1.1 million when she died but is worth much more today.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jury selection underway in Michigan trial over Aretha Franklin's handwritten willsJury selection is underway in Michigan in a dispute over the estate of music superstar Aretha Franklin.
Read more »
Jury seated in trial over singer Aretha Franklin's handwritten willsA jury has been selected in Michigan in a dispute over the estate of music superstar Aretha Franklin
Read more »
Jury to Decide if Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Couch Cushion Will Is ValidJust after the Aretha Franklin’s death, two handwritten and conflicting wills were found hidden in her suburban Detroit home. Now a jury will decide if one is legally enforceable.
Read more »
Aretha Franklin's sons battle over handwritten wills 5 years after her deathFive years after her death, the final wishes of music superstar Aretha Franklin are still unsettled.
Read more »
Aretha Franklin’s sons are going to court over her estate. Here’s what to know.The soul superstar died nearly five years ago, but her last wishes remain the subject of a knotty legal fight.
Read more »