A lengthy legal battle over late singer George Michael’s £97 million-pound estate has concluded.
Kenny Goss, former partner of the Wham! singer submitted a claim to the court stating that he was entitled to a share of the star’s estate having been financially supported by Michael before his death.
Goss, an art dealer, had asked for £15,000 a month from the estate’s trustees, Christopher Organ and Michael’s sister Panayiota Panayiotou. He sued under the Inheritance (Provisions for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 which allows those who were financially dependant on someone in life, but who have not been provided for in their will, to make a claim.
Goss and Michael were partners from 1996 to 2009 but are said to have remained close after they broke up. When he died in 2016 from heart and liver disease aged 53, the majority of his estate went to his older sisters, his father, and his friends. Both Goss and Fadi Fawaz, Michael’s partner at the time of his death, received nothing.
The estate’s trustees had vowed that Goss “wouldn’t get a penny” when details first emerged of his claim but they have now agreed a confidential settlement according to documents released by the High Court in London.
Reports suggest the number of contested wills heard by the High Court has been increasing for some time alongside the many more that are settled before they reach the court. It is believed that many people now rely on inheritance to make large purchases such as buying a house.
There are a number of reasons why someone would choose to contest a will; whether they were financially dependent on the deceased or felt their will had been drafted under duress or when they lacked the mental capacity to make such decisions.
If you are looking to contest the provision or lack of provision made for you in a will, contact Farleys’ contentious probate team on 0845 287 0939 or send your enquiry by email.
