Aretha Franklin Had No Will at Time of Death: Report

Singer Aretha Franklin had no will at the time of her death, according to court documents.

TMZ, citing the documents, reported that Franklin died intestate, meaning without a will.

“It’s especially surprising given that she has a special needs son named Clarence who needs financial and other forms of support for his entire life,” the outlet reported.

Possible Court Battle

Michigan law dictates that Franklin’s four children will now share equally in her estate, since she was not married.

The four sons filed a document in Oakland County Probate Court on Aug. 21 listing themselves as interested parties in the estate, reported the Detroit Free Press.

Because of the lack of will and involvement of the court, the details of the estate will be made public.

“I was after her for a number of years to do a trust,” Los Angeles attorney Don Wilson, who represented Franklin in entertainment matters for the past 28 years, told the Free Press. “It would have expedited things and kept them out of probate, and kept things private.”

There could be a court battle over some assets by creditors or extended family members, with Wilson citing how musician Ike Turner’s estate is still being litigated 11 years after his death.

“I just hope (Franklin’s estate) doesn’t end up getting so hotly contested,” Wilson said. “Any time they don’t leave a trust or will, there always ends up being a fight.”

Aretha Franklin performs after she was inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame on June 14, 2010. Jemal Countess/Getty Images

In this March 26, 1973, file photo, soul singer Aretha Franklin appears at a news conference. Franklin died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018 at her home in Detroit. She was 76. AP Photo, File

Franklin’s Death and Funeral

Franklin died at the age of 76 in her Detroit home on Aug. 16 around 10 a.m. Her publicist said that she was surrounded by friends and family members when she died.

She had last performed in public in November 2017.

Before Franklin’s retirement that year, she won numerous Grammy Awards and performed for 56 years. She was known as the “Queen of Soul” and widely considered one of the best singers, if not the best, of her generation.

Franklin’s funeral is scheduled for Aug. 31 in Detroit, following a public visitation on Aug.28 and Aug. 29 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, reported the Free Press.

There will also be a viewing at New Bethel Baptist Church on Aug. 30 out of concern for the members of the congregation due to expected long lines at the museum.

The funeral will be held at Greater Grace Temple, with the service limited to family members, friends, and selected guests.

From NTD.tv