Children resolve estate battle with comic legend’s widow

Florida residents know that estate planning that explicitly details all the wishes of the testator is one way to prevent a family dispute about the estate assets later on. However, if there are no explicit directions over any of the assets, then arguments from family members can develop and these disagreements can cost time and money. Recently however, a comic legend’s family has finally moved beyond their differences with the comedian’s wife over some estate assets.

The three adult children of the late comic genius Robin Williams have now settled their dispute with the comic’s widow. They have been at odds with each other over the contents of Williams’ home and the amount of money that his wife should receive in order to maintain the home.

Terms of the settlement were not made public. However, the representative for Williams’ wife stated that, according to the settlement, his client can stay at their home in Tiburon, California. He also said that Williams’ wife will be paid expenses through a trust fund in order to maintain the home. She will also be able to keep their wedding gifts, a bicycle that Williams bought on their honeymoon and a watch.

Both parties were satisfied with the settlement which still must be approved by a court. Williams’ wife initially filed a petition last December claiming that the contents of the comedian’s home should remain in the home and not be distributed to his children. The representative for the children stated that many of the items in the house should be returned to them. Williams’ wife was also seeking additional monthly monetary assets she claimed was needed to maintain the home she shared with Williams.

Estate planning should be well thought out and include specific instructions for all assets. Any Florida resident who is considering developing their own estate plan may want to speak with an estate planning attorney in order to more clearly recognize the different ways that estate assets can be administered.

Source: pagesix.com, “Robin Williams’ wife and children settle estate fight,” Oct. 2, 2015