For Tennessee families, settling the estate of a loved one can be a difficult and emotionally challenging process, especially when there are disputes over the terms of the will. After the passing of Larry King, family members began to move forward with the estate administration process. During this process, it was discovered that Mr. King had a secret will, and this has led to complications and disputes among potential heirs and beneficiaries.
Problems with a second will
One of the main issues with the newly discovered will is that it excludes his wife. The two were in the process of divorcing at the time of his death, but they had been married for 22 years. The document is handwritten, and Mrs. King is disputing the terms of this will. The handwritten will was apparently drafted after the pair filed for divorce in 2019, and it stated that Mrs. King would not get a share of the estimated $2 million estate.
This will directs that 100% of Mr. King’s remaining assets be shared equally between his five children. Mrs. King asserts that this will was written under pressure from someone else, but it is not clear who that could be. She states they created an up-to-date estate plan in 2015 that should be considered valid over the handwritten will.
Complications ahead
When family members dispute the terms of a will, it can lengthen and complicate the estate administration process. This is especially true when there are multiple wills found after the decedent passes away. Whether defending or disputing a will, it may be helpful to work with an experienced Tennessee probate and estate planning attorney.