By Attorney Renee Fox

Prepare yourself for groundbreaking news: Lady Gaga has more friends on Facebook than you do! In fact, she has more Facebook friends than any other living person. She has more than 10 million friends. Regardless of his death one year ago, Michael Jackson currently has more Facebook friends than Lady Gaga; And many other dead celebrities aren’t doing too bad either. Let’s take a look at the late Gary Coleman; whose estate has recently made headlines.

Gary Coleman’s Estate

Gary Coleman was a child who starred in the TV sitcom Diff’rent Strokes between 1978 and 1986. He grew to hate his catch phrase “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout Willis?”even though it made him millions.

Gary Coleman was paid as much as $100,000 per episode but had financial difficulties later in life. After funds went to his parents, agents, lawyers, and taxes, only a quarter of his earnings may have reached him. After the mismanagement of his Trust by his parents Coleman was forced to declare bankruptcy.

Coleman made appearances, married and divorced, attempted suicide, had kidney transplants, worked as a security guard, was prosecuted for punching a woman who mocked him, collected model trains, and ran for Governor of California in 2003 and placed relatively high in the rankings.

Tragically, Coleman died earlier this year after suffering from a head injury. Three people are in the running to be the special administrator of Coleman’s estate. One is his ex-wife, another is his former girlfriend, and a third is his former manager. Manager Dion Mial relies on a 1999 last will and testament that names him as executor. Former girlfriend Anna Gray relies on a 2005 will. Ex-wife and alleged surviving common law spouse, Shannon Price, filed a 2007 codicil that purports to amend all prior wills. She is hoping to locate a subsequent will naming her as executor.

Logically, the 2005 will would revoke the 1999 will. A handwritten note from 2007 would not have significant legal effect, unless it was executed with all the will formalities, such as witnesses and notaries. But it could be used to show his intent to revoke the 2005 will and may be accepted as a holographic will in some jurisdictions.

Getting married in 2007 could also cast doubt on earlier wills. However, Shannon Price and Mr. Coleman were divorced at the time of his death. Her basis for inheritance rests on her allegation that they reconciled and formed a new relationship after they were divorced. Court documents indicate that the two lived together, shared bank accounts, and held themselves out to the world as married, even after the divorce. Price was also Coleman’s agent in his advanced health care directive, and she gave the order to take Coleman off of life support. At the time of his death, Coleman was living with his ex-wife, Shannon Price, and his death certificate indicates that he was married.

Is this an estate worth fighting over? Remember, he declared bankruptcy in 1990? The answer depends upon the value and size of his estate both at and after death. There is still marketing to be done, book deals to be made, movie rights, and sales of memorabilia to be had. He had a home, a pension, and residual rights. To show the value of such media attention, Price is reported to have photographed Coleman on his deathbed and then sold the photos to the tabloids.

Final Thoughts

Sound estate planning can involve sophisticated plans that protect assets from creditors and predators, avoid unnecessary taxation, and build assets over generations. But there is also something to be said for a simple document that names executors or trustees and distributes your assets according to your wishes. It can avoid years of litigation and family turmoil. Large or small, we all need an estate plan contact the Attorneys at the Thom L. Cooper Company to set up an appointment today.