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Home >> Robin Williams Estate Dispute Settled

Robin Williams Estate Dispute Settled

November 14, 2015 by Robert Kulas. Leave a Comment

Robin Williams Estate Dispute SettledThe estate litigation that arose following the 2014 death of actor and comedian Robin Williams has come to an end after the parties involved agreed to a settlement. The dispute, which went to court in late 2014, primarily involved who would retain possession over some of Williams’s personal property. The battle erupted when Williams’s widow, Susan Schneider Williams, and his children from two previous marriages could not come to an agreement over who was entitled to receive the property.

Williams Estate

After Williams died in August of 2014, he left behind an estate worth an estimated $100 million or more. The estate included his Tiburon, California home, which he had shared with Mrs. Williams since getting married three years prior. The Williams estate plan left the home to Mrs. Williams for the rest of her life, after which will go to Williams’s three children from previous marriages. The bulk of the actor’s estate also went to his children—Cody, Zachary, and Zelda—including his “memorabilia and awards in the entertainment industry,” as well as clothing, jewelry, and personal photos from before his marriage to Mrs. Williams.

Estate Dispute and Settlement

The dispute in the case arose because Williams also left his wife some personal property located in the Tiburon home, as well as money to maintain it. Mrs. Williams claimed she was entitled to money to cover the costs of renovations and daily upkeep, as well as some personal items the children later claimed to be theirs.

Though the specific details of the settlement agreement have not been released, Mrs. Williams released a statement that shed some light on the terms. Mrs. Williams kept a watch that Williams often wore, a bicycle the couple purchased on their honeymoon (Williams was an avid cyclist), as well as some other “emotional items” that she had requested.

Estate Litigation

While the majority of estates do not have to go through litigation, the risks that litigation might arise are always present. There is no real way to absolutely prevent litigation, but there are ways to guard against it. There are also factors involved that make litigation more or less likely to arise.

For example, litigation is more likely to arise in cases where there is a large estate at stake. Similarly, if there are pre-existing family conflicts, such as is common in situations involving blended families, additional precautions may be necessary to prevent costly legal fights.

A good litigation prevention plan will involve a variety of steps. Not only will you need to create a comprehensive state plan, but you’ll also need to update it and keep it current whenever a significant change in life events take place, such as a divorce and new marriage. Also, making your plan, or at least your choices, known to your family ahead of time is often a simple way to make sure everyone knows what you want, and will therefore be less likely to fight over your wishes.

Filed Under: Estate Planning

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"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

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Janice M
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Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

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Krissy L.
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I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

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Leo C.
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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

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Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

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We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

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