Reports Reveal Ongoing Legal Battles Linked To Soul Legend’s Property

The significant extent of the continued legal wrangles surrounding soul legend James Brown’s estate eight years after his death have been revealed in new reports.

The New York Times reports that no party has yet received any funds from the singer’s estate, with some of his children challenging the terms of his will alongside a woman who claims she was treated as his wife.

According to the newspaper, the large majority of the estate was expected to be passed to a trust to provide scholarships in the New York State area and Georgia, but legal actions related to the funds continues to rumble on.

In 2013, the South Carolina Supreme Court overruled action by that state’s government to take control of the estate and redirect assets. It is also thought that the singer’s body remains in a temporary resting place rather than in a memorial planned at his former home.

Details of the problems surrounding the estate have come following the release of biopic Get On Up.

Expert Opinion

While this is a high-profile example of the problems that can emerge when people have concerns regarding a will, it should be remembered that estate disputes of this nature do not only affect the rich and famous. <br/> <br/>"We see numerous cases when relations between families and loved ones can be irrevocably damaged as a result of arguments regarding inheritance and whether they have received what they deserve. <br/> <br/>"The only way to avoid such issues from emerging is to prepare a clear and concise will, as well as to sit with family and friends to comprehensively explain the contents and the decisions behind the plans. Providing such a level of clarity could be important in ensuring everyone understands your wishes and may avoid disputes going forward."