Handwritten Wills found in Aretha Franklin’s home

Following the recent discovery of handwritten Wills being found in Aretha Franklin’s home last month, her family has been arguing with each other over the validity and requests of Wills allegedly handwritten by Franklin before she passed away in 2018. .

One of the Wills named her youngest son, Kecalf Franklin as the executor of her estate. However, other family members contest the Will and claim that Kecalf isn’t fit to handle such an important and valuable estate.

Consequently, Kecalf has since filed two court petitions seeking to be made an executor of his mother’s estate, alongside Franklin’s niece, Sabrina Owens, who was appointed to the role last year – but with the intention to replace her in due course.

Kecalf claims that Owens has “mismanaged the estate” and has “failed to perform a duty pertaining to office.”

Franklin’s four sons are now in dispute over the issue and consequently went to court to determine if the Wills are admissible to probate. Accordingly, a handwriting expert has been hired to review the Wills but the examination has not been finalised.

If you are seeking provision from an estate or are looking to defend a claim our Probate Partner Rachel Damianou and Litigation Solicitor Shalish Mehta provide professional and sympathetic assistance. Call Rachel or Shalish on 0161 624 6811 (Option 6) or email rld@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

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Shalish Mehta

Shalish acts on behalf of both private individuals and commercial clients, bringing or defending claims in the High Court or the County Court. Shalish is fluent in Gujarati and will happily represent those for whom Gujariti is the first language, in English. Shalish is also able to advise and assist with negotiations to resolve disputes, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Shalish joined the firm 10 years ago, very shortly after he qualified as a solicitor. Shalish is a keen sportsman, regularly playing cricket and five-a-side football. He is also a self-confessed foodie, taking great pleasure in sampling different cuisines from around the world. Currently, Shalish is pursuing his interest in languages, attending evening Spanish lessons at a local college.

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