Aretha Franklin’s Sons Continue Fight To Control Her Estate
The battle for control over Aretha Franklin’s estate continues. The Queen of Soul’s sons are vying for control of her estate, reports Vibe.
Theodore White II’s attorneys want a judge to name him co-executor of the iconic singer’s estate alongside Franklin’s niece, Sabrina Owens, according to the Associated Press.
However, Franklin’s other son Kecalf Franklin filed for a temporary restraining order in an attempt to stop Owens from making further decisions on the estate’s behalf until it is decided by a judge who should be the executor of the state.
Kecalf claims that Owens has been uncontrollably spending money and selling off the legendary singer’s property and personal items, according to TMZ.
TMZ also reported that Kecalf thinks Owens has transferred a car in her name and received money from the estate.
Last August, Aretha Franklin, who mothered four sons, succumbed to pancreatic cancer. It was originally believed that Franklin, 76, died without having a will in place but in May, Owens reportedly found three handwritten wills in the singer’s home.
In 2010, two of the documents were drafted while another was written in 2014. David Bennett, the music legend’s longtime attorney, filed the documents in a Michigan probate court so that it can be determined by a judge whether or not the documents are legal.
Owens released a statement saying that she would like to “remain neutral” in the matter and hopes that “all parties involved make wise choices on behalf of their mother, her rich legacy, the family and the Aretha Franklin estate,” although two of the Detroit native’s sons objected the handwritten wills.
Kecalf maintains that his iconic mother named him executor in the will that was written in 2014, in a separate court filing, and he is supported by his brother, Edward Franklin. Owens and White’s names were apparently crossed out of the will. However, White believes that his mother wasn’t the person who did it. Next month, a judge will decide if the documents should be examined by a handwriting expert.
