“Aretha Franklin: À la découverte du testament manuscrit de son fils oublié dans un canapé”

Spectacles Musique: Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Will Found in Sofa Deemed Valid

Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Updated: Wednesday, July 12, 2023

A jury has ruled that a handwritten will of Aretha Franklin, discovered in a sofa, is legally valid. When the queen of soul passed away in August 2018, her family believed that she had not left a will and that her assets would be divided equally among her four sons, Clarence, Kecalf and Edward Franklin, and Ted White Jr. However, in May 2019, two handwritten documents, neither of which were co-signed by a notary, were discovered at her Detroit home. One, found in a locked cabinet, was dated 2010, while the second, dated 2014, was discovered in a spiral notebook stuck under a sofa cushion.

Differing Testaments

Tuesday (July 11, 2023), following a two-day trial and more than four years of family dispute, six jurors in a Pontiac, Michigan court decided that the 2014 document should serve as the official will, according to the New York Times. There are noteworthy differences between the two wills. The 2010 document stipulated that Kecalf and Edward Franklin had to “take business courses and obtain a certificate or diploma” in order to benefit from the inheritance, unlike the 2014 will. Under the now-validated will, the late star declares that her royalties and bank funds are to be divided equally among her sons, with the exception of Clarence, while her youngest child, Kecalf Franklin, is to inherit her villa in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Kecalf and Edward Franklin advocated for the new document, asserting that it nullified the previous will, while their half-brother Ted White Jr. believed otherwise. He argued that the 2010 will was longer, more detailed, and featured the singer’s signature on each page. According to BBC News, Kecalf Franklin told reporters outside the courthouse, “I’m very, very happy. I just wanted my mother’s wishes to be respected. We just want to breathe right now. It’s been a long five years for my family, my kids.” Addressing the conflict with Ted White Jr., he added, “I love my brother with all my heart.”

The eldest of the late singer’s children, Clarence, who suffers from a mental illness, has not been involved in the disagreement. In a pre-trial agreement reached by the brothers and his guardian, he will receive a percentage of Aretha Franklin’s inheritance.

Philosophical Discussion: Protecting the Wishes of the Deceased

This legal dispute within the Franklin family highlights the importance of having a clear and legally valid will. The surprising discovery of the handwritten documents in unexpected places underscores the need for individuals to take the time to formally record their wishes regarding their assets and estates. Had Aretha Franklin executed a notarized will during her lifetime, much of the confusion and discord among her loved ones may have been avoided.

Furthermore, this case raises philosophical questions about honoring the wishes of the deceased. Aretha Franklin’s handwritten wills serve as her last communications to her family and the world. By ruling the 2014 document as valid, the court is recognizing and respecting her intentions for the distribution of her estate.

It is crucial for families to navigate such delicate matters with empathy and understanding. The emotions involved in inheritances can easily fray relationships, as seen in the Franklin family’s dispute. Open and honest communication, along with the guidance of legal experts, can help alleviate tensions and ensure that the wishes of the deceased are honored.

Editorial: A Reminder to Plan Ahead

This case reminds us all of the importance of early estate planning. Regardless of age or wealth, each individual should consider creating a will or estate plan to protect their assets and communicate their desires for their estate. Wills not only clarify how assets should be distributed but also provide a sense of closure and peace of mind to the surviving family members.

Moreover, it is essential to review and update these documents regularly to reflect any significant life changes, such as new family members, divorce, or the acquisition of substantial assets. Consulting with a qualified estate planning attorney can help ensure that your wishes are properly articulated and legally binding.

Planning for the future may feel uncomfortable or morbid, but it is a fundamental responsibility that allows individuals to have control over their legacy and provides their loved ones with guidance during difficult times. Aretha Franklin’s family’s struggles should serve as a cautionary tale for all Canadians to proactively prepare for the inevitable and protect the well-being of their families.

Let this case be a reminder to take the necessary steps to plan for the future and safeguard your assets, ensuring your wishes are correctly carried out, while minimizing the potential for discord among loved ones.