There has been a surprising turn of events regarding the estate of the late soul singing British superstar Amy Winehouse. Previous reports suggested that she did have a last will and testament in place when she died, but now that her estate has gone through the English probate court, it is revealed that she did not have a will and has in fact died intestate.
It had been speculated that even if she did have a will that her parents, brother, and other family members would stand to inherit her estate. Now, under British law, it will only be her parents that will inherit the entire estate assets that are reported to be worth about $4.66 million U.S. dollar afters taxes. However, these are only the assets that are held individually in Amy's name. Any other assets that are held jointly will pass outside of probate. It remains to be seen whether or not there may have been anything like property or life insurance policies that were held jointly with anyone else, possibly her ex-husband.
Although Winehouse passed away at such an early age, for a person of her accomplishments and wealth, an early age should have not been an excuse for putting off a well planned estate. Now her personal items and effects may never reach loved ones that she may have intended to gift to them.
Please consult with a professional estate litigation Attorney, whether your 27 or 87, it is never too late or too early to secure your assets and provide for all your loved ones.
*This blog entry was not written by an Attorney and should not be constituted as professional legal advice.