We have been passing along information over the last few months about the disputed estate of the deceased actor Sherman Hemsley, and we can now report that a resolution has been reached.
The character George Jefferson catapulted Hemsley into the public consciousness, and he certainly provided millions of Americans with some hearty laughter during his long and successful career.
The dispute involved a person stepping forward to challenge Hemsley’s will during the probate process. Even though he signed a last will before he died naming his close friend Flora Enchinton as executor of the estate and sole heir a Philadelphia resident named Richard Thornton came forward with a challenge.
For reasons that have not been explained Thornton, who claimed to be Hemsley’s brother, was under the impression that he should be the heir to Hemsley’s estate in spite of the fact that the actor executed a last will that did not mention Thornton.
The simple fact that he was Hemsley’s brother would not in any way invalidate a legally binding last will.
Sadly, the body of Sherman Hemsley was being held in a funeral home in El Paso, Texas for months while this dispute was in the hands of the probate court.
A ruling has now been issued that upholds the validity of the last will. Sherman Hemsley was buried on the day before Thanksgiving.
He was a veteran who served honorably in the United States Air Force. Because of his service he was buried in Fort Bliss National Cemetery, which is in El Paso.
It is nice to see that this matter has finally been resolved.
Paul A. Kraft, Estate Planning Attorney
Mr. Kraft assists clients primarily in the areas of estate planning and administration, Medicaid planning, federal and state taxation, real estate and corporate law, bringing the added perspective of an accounting background to his work.
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