Mediation in Scranton Resolves Frazetta Siblings’ Estate Quarrel
It is difficult enough for most siblings to get along without the issue of an elderly parent’s estate reaching its boiling point. While several arguments over an estate are directly related to money, in many situations, family members let their emotions, mistrust, or past experiences that have affected their relationships with other family members fuel disputes over the distribution of assets, property and finances. With communication out the window, reaching a resolution becomes more of a challenge and usually requires help from outside professionals.
The children of famous fantasy artist Frank Frazetta experienced their own family quarrel over an estate worth tens of millions of dollars. A New York Times report discusses the tumultuous months leading up to a final resolution that was reached after two days of mediation in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Apparently, multiple lawsuits were filed in Pennsylvania and Florida as the Frazetta siblings fought over their 82-year-old father’s estate. One of the Frazetta siblings had a lawsuit filed against him in Scranton in March by three of his siblings alleging that he illegally and improperly used their father’s name and art for commercial gain.
Frazetta’s work – some of the most well-known sci-fi and fantasy art covers and illustrations of over 150 books, comic books, album covers, movie posters and original paintings- was transferred to a company managed by the three siblings who sued their brother. In response to the suit that he had no right to market or sell Frazetta’s work, the sibling countersued in Florida just a week ago. The same sibling was found breaking into Frazetta’s museum in December, attempting to take 90 paintings insured for $20 million so that they could be kept safe from his siblings. After family members decided that they did not want to go forward with the case, the theft and burglary charges were dropped against the brother.
The Frazetta estate feud emphasizes how quickly matters surrounding inheritance distribution can get out of hand, and this is often the case whether or not an estate is worth millions. While it may not be a painless road ensuring that everyone is satisfied with how an estate is devised, those within the estate law field as well as probate attorneys make it their responsibility for a fair and just compromise to be made regarding the complex distribution of property from an estate.
