(WWJ) – Detroit’s own Aretha Franklin is undoubtedly one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time.
But since her death in 2018, the Queen of Soul's sons have been battling over her estate. With the trial now underway, WWJ's Zach Clark details on a new Daily J podcast the battle over tens of millions of dollars and how it impacts Franklin's legacy.
The trial began in Oakland County Probate Court Monday to determine which of her sons will control her estate. The battle centers around two hand-written notes found in her home in 2019. One was written in 2010, the other in 2014.
Clark learns from famed Detroit music journalist Gary Graff and Detroit historian and journalist Ken Coleman that Franklin was “very old school.” She did not have much in the way of “formal management," according to Graff.
Coleman says many artists over the years were “essentially robbed” when it came to payments. That’s why she demanded them up front. And that could be why she didn’t have a formal will.
Mark Clark, a Metro Detroit probate lawyer for more than 40 years, says there are multiple factors that are at play in the battle for the Queen of Soul’s estate. So what makes a will legitimate?
“The testator – the person who makes the will – has to know what he or she is doing. So if somebody is under coercion, maybe they’re heavily medicated, don’t understand, maybe they’re mentally incompetent, or maybe a relative has exerted undue influence on a person. Then that is a challenge to a will,” he said. “A valid will has to be in writing, it has to be signed by the testator, and it has to be witnessed by at least two different individuals.”
An Oakland County jury will have to determine which of the two holographic wills – meaning they’re not formally typewritten and may not have been signed or witnessed – is to be followed.
WWJ’s Ryan Marshall reported from the courthouse late Monday afternoon an attorney representing one of the brothers in favor of the 2014 document said the trial may be decided as early as Tuesday.
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