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Will women claiming rights to estate prompt probate litigation?

Fans of Chris Cornell in Illinois and across the world mourned the former rocker’s sudden, unexpected death in 2018. The cause of death was listed as a suicide. While numerous types of drugs were found in his blood according to toxicology test results, the musician had apparently died by hanging himself, and the drugs did not cause his death. Now, Cornell’s widow and ex-wife are involved in a dispute regarding his estate valued at $20 million that could wind up in probate litigation.

Cornell was divorced in 2004. His former spouse was the mother of his child. A petition was filed in court for child support payments the child’s mother said were past due. Cornell’s ex has enlisted the aid of an accountant to help her estimate the amount of money owed.

The woman who was married to Cornell at the time of his death has publicly refuted his ex’s claim that her husband owed child support. She has also stated that she and the Cornell Family Trust are the sole heirs and beneficiaries of her late husband’s estate. She reportedly wants to try to resolve the disagreements with her late husband’s ex wife in a private setting.

Those following this case in Illinois or elsewhere would likely not be surprised if it prompts probate litigation, as many others have tried to resolve similar problems in the past in the a private manner without success. A probate judge can review the facts of a particular dispute and determine who, if anyone, should receive a portion or all of a decedent’s estate. An experienced probate law attorney would be a great asset to have on hand when heading to court to find solutions to inheritance disagreements.

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