Aretha Franklin Did Not Have a Will

The late singer Aretha Franklin died last Thursday at her home in Detroit, Michigan. She is survived by her four sons, Clarence Franklin, 63, Edward Franklin, 61, Ted White Jr, 54, and Kecalf Cunningham, 48, as well as four grandchildren. The diva also passed away intestate, according to court documents, which means that the singer’s estimated $80 million fortune will be split evening among her children in accordance with Michigan intestate law.

In light of Aretha Franklin’s wealth and her family’s circumstances, the fact that she died without a will is surprising. Her oldest son, Clarence, is special needs and will require specialized support for the rest of his life, and there were no guidelines to stipulate how this will be accomplished.

See Aretha Franklin had no Will: Singer Did Not Outline Plans for Her $80 million Estate Before Her Tragic Death, Daily Mail, August 21, 2018; see also Aretha Franklin Died Without a Will, TMZ, August 21, 2018.

Special thanks to Molly Neace for bringing this article to my attention.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.