Best known for his role as George Jefferson from “All in the Family” and later on “The Jeffersons,” Sherman Hemsley, the “movin’ on up” actor, apparently cannot move on up until a court decides whether the Last Will and Testament presented to the court was really signed by him. Despite purportedly executing a Will, he remains on ice while a court decides whether the Will is genuine.
Hemsley died on July 24th and a Last Will and Testament was presented to the appropriate court shortly after his death by longtime companion Flora Enchinton. Under the terms of that Will, Hemsley’s estate, valued at about $50,000, was left to her. The Will was purportedly signed six weeks prior to his death. Shortly thereafter, a man from Philadelphia appeared and claimed to be Hemsley’s brother, although no one seems to know who he is. The man also claims that the Will filed with the court was not made by Hemsley. As a result, Hemsley’s body remains on ice at the El Paso, Texas funeral home where he was to be prepared for burial while a court sorts through all of this.
Of course, no one can guarantee that a Will contest or other challenge to an estate will not be filed; however, a properly drafted, executed and witnessed Last Will and Testament and other estate planning documents will go a long way in helping resolve a challenge if one is presented to the probate court. Make sure you consult with your estate planning attorney about how you can “contest-proof” your estate plan.
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