Additional Coverage:
- Gene Hackman’s children ‘not included in his will’ as they face battle over $80m fortune (irishstar.com)
Gene Hackman’s $80 Million Estate Sparks Family Dispute
The late actor Gene Hackman’s will has sparked a potential legal battle, leaving his three children, Christopher, Leslie, and Elizabeth, without an inheritance. The will designates Hackman’s wife, Betsy, as the sole beneficiary of his estimated $80 million fortune.
A further stipulation directs that if both Hackman and his wife were to die within 90 days of each other, the entire estate would be donated to charity. Sources indicate that Hackman’s son has already retained legal counsel specializing in will contests, suggesting a legal challenge is imminent.
Despite being excluded from the will, Hackman’s children may still be entitled to a portion of the estate as direct descendants. Notably, the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement.
While Hackman’s children have previously spoken of a close relationship with their father, reports indicate that his daughter, Elizabeth, had not been in contact with him in the months leading up to his death. Legal expert John Budagher of Budagher and Tann suggests the timing of any recent changes to the will could be a key factor in potential litigation, particularly given Hackman’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. “If the will is recent, it doesn’t automatically invalidate it,” Budagher stated, “but it does make it more susceptible to a challenge, especially if it leaves everything to a caretaker.”
The Hackman estate is also reportedly seeking to block the release of videos, images, and police body camera footage related to the couple’s deaths.
Hackman and his wife, Betsy, 65, were found deceased in separate locations within their Santa Fe home two weeks ago. Betsy died approximately a week before her husband from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a rare respiratory illness spread by rodents.
Authorities believe Hackman, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, may have been unaware of his wife’s passing. Forensic pathologist Dr.
Michael Baden speculated, “He likely didn’t realize she was dead and therefore didn’t understand the need to call 911.” A touching detail emerged earlier this week: the couple’s two dogs, Bear and Nikita, reportedly led paramedics to Hackman’s body in the mudroom.