According to multiple news reports, Robin Williams’ wife, Susan Williams, stated that she was forced into taking legal action against Robin Williams’ children concerning his estate. She told “Good Morning America” in an interview which aired recently that, “Two and a half weeks after Robin had left, I was still in shock, not back in our home. I was told that I might not be able to keep our wedding gifts. That, ‘In fact, while you’re out of the house, we need to come and take everything out, and eventually, once we’ve gone through it all, tell us which items are yours and we’ll decide whether or not that’s true.”
A press report stated that Robin Williams’ trust had laid down guidelines about what was to go to whom, much of the disagreement revolved around what counted as celebrity memorabilia and what should be considered personal keepsakes. Also at issue were the expenses involved in maintaining the couple’s Tiburon, California home. The comedian’s third wife also got emotional describing her reaction to “Good Morning America” about the dispute over an estate said to be worth $100 million.
Susan Williams said, I’ll never forget being on the phone with one of the trustees and saying, ‘What is this? I know Robin Williams is famous — he’s my husband. He’s my husband. If we’re talking that you guys think everything is memorabilia, then take me. He’s touched me. Where does this end?'”Legal representation for Robin Williams’ children told the L.A. Times that Cody, Zelda and Zachary had been “following both the letter and the spirit of Robin’s instructions” and couldn’t understand why Susan Williams was “challenging the estate plan he so carefully made to provide generously not only for them but for her as well.” The actor left much of his estate to his kids, whom he had with his first and second wives.
Susan Williams also told “Good Morning America” that Robin Williams knew he was losing his mind from a form of Parkinson’s and was on the verge of getting inpatient care for his condition when he committed suicide in August 2014. His diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, which his wife revealed in the interview, was determined after an autopsy.
The disagreement between Robin Williams wife and his children was settled out of court in principle in early October.
No one wants to consider what will happen to their families and the things they own once they die. However, estate planning and deciding what property and possessions go to whom is important so that they are not disagreements and confusion later. It can help protect those you love and their future. If you need help with planning your estate, you should speak to one of our knowledgeable estate planning lawyers at the Higgins Firm. We will discuss your situation and your wishes and help you create an estate plan that is right for you. This way you can worry less about what will happen when you are not around.
Cases just like these are why it is important and recommended to have an estate plan. It will help you not only to figure out who inherits certain items or assets when you pass away but hopefully it will also help your family to avoid disagreements and confusion. If you do not have an estate plan or if you have one already but have questions, you should contact one of our caring and experienced estate planning attorneys. We will answer any questions you may have and discuss your options with you so that you can make the estate plan that is best for you and those you love.
Please contact us today online or by calling 800.705.2121 to discuss your legal options.