Aretha Franklin Left No Will or Trust, Says Her Attorney

Aretha Franklin left no will or trust before her death last week, her attorney says, sparking fears that competing claims on her assets may have to be played out in a public courtroom. Her four sons filed a document Tuesday afternoon listing themselves as interested parties in her estate, while Franklin’s niece Sabrina Owens asked the court to appoint her as personal representative of the estate. “I was after her for a number of years to do a trust,” said Los Angeles attorney Don Wilson, who represented Franklin for nearly 30 years. “It would have expedited things and kept them out of probate, and kept things private.” The lack of a will could prompt a court battle over her assets by creditors or extended family members seeking a portion of her estate. “I just hope it doesn’t end up getting so hotly contested,” Wilson said. “Any time they don’t leave a trust or will, there always ends up being a fight.” Separately, at Tuesday night’s Detroit Tigers game, a rainbow appeared over centerfield during a moment of silence as tribute from the Queen of Soul’s hometown.