There is some celebrity estate planning news circulating at the present time that we would like to highlight here. It involves the last Will of the recently deceased actor Sherman Hemsley.
Hemsley is best known for his role as George Jefferson, the well-to-do self-made man who strongly asserted himself at every opportunity.
In fact, the personal proclivities of the actor Hemsley bore no resemblance to the boisterous character that he popularized. Hemsley was reportedly a private man who did not want to draw attention to himself. He resided in El Paso, Texas with his longtime live-in girlfriend Flora Enchinton, and this is where he passed away in July of 2012.
Sherman Hemsley apparently wanted to make sure that his partner was provided for so he signed a last Will leaving her his property shortly before he died. He also named Enchinton as the executor of his estate.
Since Hemsley had never been married and had no children, you might think that the probate process would go rather smoothly given the fact that he did in fact execute a last Will. However, a surprising development has brought everything to a standstill.
Flora Enchinton states that her partner never mentioned anything about having a brother, but an individual named Richard Thornton has stepped forward to challenge the Will. He claims that he is the actor’s brother and that he should rightfully inherit Hemsley’s estate.
This challenge has delayed final services, and the body will remain under refrigeration in an El Paso funeral home until the probate court renders its decision.
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