Gene Hackman’s three children may be entitled to a share of his $80 million estate, despite their mother Betsy Arakawa being named the sole beneficiary in his will.
The actor left his entire wealth to Arakawa in 1995, but authorities found both he and Arakawa dead in their New Mexico home on February 26. The cause of death was determined to be heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s for Hackman and hantavirus for Arakawa.
Under California law, children typically inherit the remaining estate after the surviving spouse, although it is unclear if Hackman’s three children have a valid claim. Christopher has hired an estate lawyer, suggesting he plans to challenge the will.
The timing of their deaths may be crucial in any potential dispute – if Arakawa died before Hackman, his children could argue that the will was invalid. Arakawa’s own will stipulated that her assets would go to charity after settling medical expenses if both she and Hackman died within 90 days of each other.
The couple’s deaths were initially ruled out foul play, but a report described the situation as “suspicious.” Authorities have dismissed several theories, including a carbon monoxide leak. The sheriff’s office has yet to provide further information on their investigation.
Hackman spoke publicly about his struggles balancing fame with family life, saying he struggled with selfishness and feelings of inadequacy. Despite being estranged from his children at one point, they had grown closer in the years leading up to his death.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/gene-hackman-leaves-80m-estate-034642703.html