Before reggae legend Bunny Wailer, aka Neville O’Riley Livingston, died earlier this year at the age of 73, he had made a will and appointed co-executors. In the will, he named each of his thirteen children as beneficiaries. Conflict has ensued, delaying settlement of the estate, and requiring legal intervention to move to solutions.
Examining Intent
Inheritance litigators, including Probate Stars point out that contesting a will is costly in terms of both time and money—and can cause deep and potentially lasting damage in family and friend relations. As Law Professors reports, this seems to be what’s happening with Bunny Wailer’s estate, despite the will, which named each of his 13 children—and any other child who comes forth—as beneficiaries. The will also asks for establishment of “paternal descent by DNA evidence” and this has apparently led to conflict and confusion. According to Dancehall Mag, which obtained a copy of the will, Bunny’s sister, Donna Livingston-Carridice, and other elders in the family have appealed to all of the kids to “Do a DNA test so that they can establish paternity and gain the benefits of their father’s estate.”
Though Bunny Wailer’s estate is unique, family conflict over the assets and intentions of a loved one, is of course not. In fact, lawyers remind us that probate court is not inherently bad—and frequently turns out to be helpful, especially in the face of family conflict. Requiring an executor bond upon creation of a will and designation of the executor can also be helpful. Sometimes these bonds are specifically requested during the probate process. Essentially, an executor bond guarantees the faithful performance of the executor on behalf of the estate and beneficiaries and in accordance with the law. Colonial Surety Company makes it quick and easy to get an executor bond: get a quote online, fill in the information and enter a payment method. The bond can then be e-filed or printed from anywhere—even before leaving court.
Have The Hard Conversations
Estate planning experts underscore the importance of having difficult conversations with loved ones as we make our estate plans. Though not all relatives may agree with the plans underway, understanding the intentions might lead to the honoring of them when the time comes. Contesting a will is costly and time consuming, with private affairs becoming public and the distribution of assets delayed. When litigation looms, probate courts are likely to request a fiduciary bond. Colonial Surety provides direct, digital fiduciary bonds of all kinds, including: administrator, executor, probate, estate and personal representative bonds. Quickly Obtain Any Fiduciary Bond Right Here.
Inheritance Litigation?
Colonial’s direct, fully digital, user-friendly I-Bond® system reduces the time, hassle and expense typically associated with antiquated bonding processes. In addition to providing bonds directly to the general public, Colonial offers The Partnership Account® for Attorneys . This free business service provides user-friendly client management dashboards, enabling attorneys to easily coordinate, view, complete and e-file the court and fiduciary bonds clients need. See for yourself today: The Partnership Account® for Attorneys.
Founded in 1930, Colonial Surety Company is a direct writer of surety bonds and insurance products. Colonial is rated “A Excellent” by A.M. Best Company, U.S. Treasury listed, and licensed for business everywhere in the USA.