Fight over Dennis Hopper’s $40 Million Estate Imminent
Actor Dennis Hopper recently died after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. But according to an Associated Press news report, the battle over his $40 million estate is just getting started. The fight is expected to take place between Hopper’s fifth wife, Victoria Duffy, and his daughter, Marin. Duffy and Hopper were having problems and were separated for most of 2009, but did not get a divorce before his death.
Observers expect lawsuits in this case. One thing to consider is that Hopper and Duffy were married for 14 years, which is a “long-term” marriage by Hollywood standards. In the eyes of the law, since they did not get a divorce, Duffy is still Hopper’s wife, despite their brief separation and the problems that friends say they have been having over the years.
Matters surrounding inheritance and distribution of an estate can get out of hand in a hurry. An estate does not have to be worth millions or involve celebrities for a dispute to arise. It may be an uphill task to make everyone happy and satisfied in the end. However, those who are well-versed in estate law such as probate attorneys, strive to accomplish a fair and just compromise so that family members do not have to struggle with personal relationships and financial matters.
Michael Monheit is the managing lawyer at Monheit Law, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has practiced law since 1989. Michael Monheit was the managing attorney of the law offices of Herbert Monheit — now Silverman and Fodera — a firm... Michael Monheit→