Bobbi Kristina Brown has died, authorities are looking into the circumstances, and attention is turning to what happens to Whitney Houston’s estate. Here is a plain look at the questions being asked, based on reporting from USA Today and the Chicago Sun Times.
Whitney Houston died in 2012 and left an estate valued at an estimated $20 million. According to TMZ, which reported that it had seen the will, Bobbi Kristina was set to receive one tenth of the estate at age 21 and one sixth of the balance at 25. USA Today reported that the remainder was meant to go to her at 30. She died at 22, so the later payouts never happened.
So who benefits? USA Today reports that under the terms of the will, the remaining money goes to Cissy Houston and Whitney’s two brothers. Cissy was named executor but renounced the appointment, and a Georgia probate judge named Whitney’s sister in law and manager, Pat Houston, as the sole administrator of the estate.
What about Bobby Brown? He was originally listed as a beneficiary, but he and Whitney divorced in 2007. Attorney Reisman told USA Today that generally means he would not be entitled to a share of his ex wife’s estate. Atlanta estate lawyer Bruce Gaynes said Bobby Brown could be entitled to whatever Bobbi Kristina had already received, and could be the sole beneficiary of her own estate if she had no spouse and no will. Reisman added that he could try to gain control of money held for his daughter, but it would likely mean a lot of litigation.
What about Nick? Bobbi Kristina described herself as married to Nick Gordon on social media. Bobby Brown has said they were not married, and USA Today reported that Nick had not produced proof of a marriage. If a marriage could be proven, Reisman said, a spouse generally has strong rights to an estate when there is no will.
As for her death, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office said the initial autopsy found no clear underlying cause and that more testing was pending, with a final ruling weeks away. No one has been charged. We will keep you posted as more is confirmed.
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