When Prince Rogers Nelson—the musical genius known simply as Prince—died suddenly on April 21, 2016, the world lost an icon. But what followed his passing was a legal drama that lasted more than six years, all sparked by one surprising fact: Prince died without a will.
💼 His Purple Eminence Without a Will or Trust
Despite a net worth estimated at $156 million, Prince left behind no formal estate plan. That meant his vast holdings—including his legendary music catalog, vaults of unreleased material, and multiple properties—had to be handled under Minnesota's intestacy laws.
With no spouse or children, the court appointed his sister, Tyka Nelson, and five half-siblings as legal heirs. What might have been straightforward quickly became anything but.
⚖️ Six Years of Probate and Disputes
Because Prince died intestate (without a will), his estate entered a lengthy probate process. Courts needed to:
Identify and verify his heirs
Catalog and appraise all assets
Settle debts and taxes
Determine how to divide everything
After six years of negotiations, appraisals, and legal wrangling, a judge approved a settlement in 2022. The agreement divided assets among his half-siblings, their advisors, and Primary Wave, a music management firm that acquired stakes in the estate.
🔄 Legal Battles Continue
Even after the estate was settled, new conflicts arose. In 2024, Prince’s longtime business advisors L. Londell McMillan and Charles Spicer Jr. won a key ruling in a lawsuit against some of Prince's heirs. The case alleges those heirs tried to change the management of Prince Legacy LLC, potentially violating the original agreement.
📌 The Lesson: Plan Ahead
Prince’s story is a powerful cautionary tale. No matter how famous or wealthy you are, failing to make a will can lead to chaos. Legal battles, fractured families, and mismanaged legacies are all too common.
Creating an estate plan—whether a simple will or a detailed trust—can ensure your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy remains intact.
📝 Need help getting started? Contact The Law Offices of Denise Lettau, via phone Tel. 954.296.0493, E-mail: deniselettaupa@proton.me or book here.
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