Famous Life Insurance Beneficiary and Estate Disputes: High-Profile Cases
Life insurance disputes involving famous individuals often capture public attention due to the complex legal battles and the large sums of money involved. Here are some of the top life insurance beneficiary disputes and estate conflicts that have gone to court or garnered significant media attention.
1. Anna Nicole Smith vs. E. Pierce Marshall
Case Overview: Anna Nicole Smith married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II when she was 26. After his death, Smith claimed she was entitled to his $1.6 billion estate, but Marshall’s son, E. Pierce Marshall, argued he was the sole heir. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court twice. Smith died of a drug overdose in 2007 before the case was resolved.
Outcome: The legal battle continued until 2014 when a federal judge ruled in favor of E. Pierce Marshall's estate, denying Smith’s claim to the estate.
2. Michael Jackson’s Children vs. AEG Live
Case Overview: Michael Jackson had a $20 million life insurance policy with AEG Live as the beneficiary, the company behind his planned comeback tour. After Jackson’s death in 2009, his children sued AEG Live for wrongful death, claiming the company hired Dr. Conrad Murray, who administered the fatal dose of propofol.
Outcome: The jury found AEG Live not liable, and the children did not receive any of the life insurance proceeds.
3. Robin Williams’ Widow vs. His Children
Case Overview: Robin Williams left $100 million in life insurance policies to his three children from previous marriages. His widow, Susan Schneider Williams, claimed part of the money to maintain their shared home and disputed ownership of some personal items.
Outcome: The parties reached a settlement in 2015, though the terms were not disclosed.
4. Heath Ledger’s Daughter vs. ReliaStar Life Insurance Company
Case Overview: Actor Heath Ledger named his daughter, Matilda, as the beneficiary of his $10 million life insurance policy. After his death in 2008, ReliaStar refused to pay out the claim, arguing Ledger's death was a suicide and not an accident.
Outcome: Ledger’s father sued ReliaStar on behalf of Matilda, and the case was settled out of court in 2009 for an undisclosed amount.
5. Brittany Murphy’s Mother vs. Her Husband
Case Overview: Actress Brittany Murphy had a $10 million life insurance policy with her husband, Simon Monjack, as the beneficiary. After her death in 2009, her mother, Sharon Murphy, claimed Monjack forged her signature on the policy documents.
Outcome: The case was dropped after Monjack’s death in 2010.
6. Whitney Houston’s Daughter vs. Cissy Houston
Case Overview: Whitney Houston left a $20 million life insurance policy to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown. After Houston’s death in 2012, Cissy Houston, Whitney’s mother, filed a petition to delay the payout, proposing to put the money in a trust for Bobbi Kristina until she turned 30.
Outcome: Bobbi Kristina opposed the petition, and in 2013, a compromise was reached between Bobbi Kristina and Cissy Houston.
7. Prince’s Siblings vs. His Estate
Case Overview: Prince did not have a will or life insurance policy when he died in 2016, leaving behind an estate estimated at $200 million. His six siblings were declared his heirs, but they have been fighting over the estate’s division and management.
Outcome: The case is ongoing, with various creditors and claimants also seeking a share of Prince’s fortune.
8. Kobe Bryant’s Parents vs. His Wife
Case Overview: Kobe Bryant had multiple life insurance policies worth over $600 million, which he left to his wife, Vanessa Bryant, and their four daughters. His parents, Joe and Pamela Bryant, claimed they were owed a portion of the money due to their support throughout his career.
Outcome: The dispute was privately settled in 2020, and no details of the settlement were disclosed.
9. Chadwick Boseman’s Wife vs. His Family
Case Overview: Chadwick Boseman named his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, as the beneficiary of his $12 million life insurance policy and left all his assets to her in his will. However, his family contested the will, claiming they were entitled to some of his estate due to their support during his cancer battle.
Outcome: The case is still pending in court, with Boseman’s family challenging the will.
10. Larry King’s Wife vs. His Children
Case Overview: Broadcaster Larry King had a $50 million life insurance policy with his wife, Shawn King, as the beneficiary. However, King’s handwritten will left his estate to his five children. Shawn King contested the will, claiming that Larry had been influenced by his son to write it and accused him of elder abuse and fraud.
Outcome: The case is still ongoing, with Shawn King challenging the validity of the will.
How Our Life Insurance Lawyers Can Help
Life insurance disputes involving famous people often have complex legal issues related to beneficiary designations, estate planning, and the application of state and federal laws. If you're involved in a life insurance dispute, our experienced attorneys are ready to assist. Here’s how we can help:
Review and Challenge Beneficiary Designations: We will help you determine if the correct beneficiary is designated and challenge any disputes regarding the validity of the designation.
Estate Disputes: We can represent you in cases involving contested wills, probate disputes, and challenges over how an estate should be divided.
Fight for Your Rights: If you are being denied life insurance benefits, our attorneys will advocate on your behalf, whether it involves challenging a life insurance policy or resolving estate conflicts.
Insurance Companies We’ve Helped Resolve Disputes With
Our life insurance attorneys have successfully resolved claims with major insurers, including:
MetLife
Prudential
State Farm
AIG Life
Sun Life Assurance
FAQ Section
How can I challenge a life insurance beneficiary dispute?
Our attorneys will review the policy and all relevant documents to determine the rightful beneficiary and represent you in court if necessary.What happens if there is no will and the estate is contested?
If there is no will, the estate will typically go through probate, and state laws will determine how the assets are distributed. Our attorneys can help navigate this process.Can a beneficiary be changed after death?
Generally, beneficiary designations cannot be changed after the policyholder’s death, but there are exceptions depending on the circumstances. Our lawyers can assist in these situations.