Weeks after the passing of talk-show host Larry King, his estate remains in limbo as reports surfaced of a hand-written will from 2019 that excluded his wife of 22 years, Shawn Southwick King. King was in the process of divorcing his seventh wife and created a new will following the initial filing that left his $2 million estate to his five children, two of whom died last year. The divorce was not finalized before King’s death in January 2021.
Southwick King claims the will the two drew up in 2015, during their 22 years of marriage, remains valid, which lists her as executor for the estate. That agreement created a family trust that controls bank accounts and King’s deceased personality rights. The new will has no named executor, however King’s eldest son, Larry King Jr., filed an ex parte application in California last week to serve as the special administrator. Southwick King claims Larry King Jr. received $266,000 in a separate account from his father that she did not approve. The sides are due to meet again in court next week.
Wills and estates are for everyone, not just the rich and famous. Planning for your loved ones is very important and can be challenging. Our wills and estates lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can walk you through the steps of creating a document, tax preparation, and estate administration. Call 610-565-3701 today or contact us online for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.