Martin Luther King’s children are in court fighting over the estate of the famous civil rights leader. The family squabble over the estate of Martin Luther King that became public a few years ago has yet to be resolved. In the case two of King’s children are accusing a third of wrongfully taking money from the estate. From CNN:
King’s children were in Fulton County, Georgia, Superior Court Monday in a dispute over their parents’ estates.
Two children of the civil rights icon are suing their brother, accusing him of wrongfully taking money from their parents’ estates.
The Rev. Bernice King and Martin Luther King III allege Dexter King took “substantial funds” out of Coretta Scott King’s estate and “wrongfully appropriated” money from their father’s estate.
Dexter King has publicly denied the accusations.
When I saw this story it made me wonder, What Would Their Daddy Do? This would have to be a parents nightmare. Making matters worse is what the image of their father stood for, peace and unity which makes this public bickering even more bizarre.
BMWK, is the legacy of Martin Luther King being damage by his children? Have you set up a will yourself and instructions on how your estate should be carried out?
Dedra says
This should be an example to all people, but more so to African American people to put their “house” in order before departing. MLK couldn’t do this, but those of us who are still alive can take steps today to ensure that our children and our estate are protected and divided in ways that we want them to be. A death in the family can bring out the worst in people. None of us are above that, including Dr. King’s children.
Anna says
BMWK, is the legacy of Martin Luther King being damage by his children? Have you set up a will yourself and instructions on how your estate should be carried out?
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I am on staycay and my goal is to complete my will. My kids are too old to pick who will “inherit” them with a trust fund. I know that this is important and just because one may be married does not mean your car in your name or your house in only your name will transfer over to a spouse. We all need a will. Everything/assets/belongings go into a estate and can be there for many years to pay off your debts or be divided without a will due to bickering family that say” she left this to me, no she said I could have it”. Everyone please give it away while alive or secure that your left spouse/family members don’t have to be in limbo for years fighting over things, that they really don’t want but want to “win” the battle. I have heard someone say and It is so ture, “I have Never Seen A Uhaul behind a Hearsh”. We can’t take it with us”. Anyone can buy a membership for PPL(prepaid legal) or go to a Staples or Office Max and get a will to fill out and pay for a notary and it’s legal.
Robert M says
It’s why you have to have a will, a living will, a power of attorney and a medical decision makeer in writing. You and your spouse must take your adult children aside as a group as soon as everybody is of age sit down w/ them and explain why you are doing what you are doing. It will not necessarily keep anybody from going to court but it keeps everybody from being surprised and keeps the hurt feelings to the intial meeting.
If you have very small children get some life insurance from a VERY reputable insurance company; no accidental death and disability policy. Make sure you take a medical, blood and urine will tell alot about your health, so your family does not have to go to a pre-existing condition argument and lawsuit w/ the company. No sense paying lawyers when the family needs the money.
King’s estate is made more complicated by his fame and the possiblity Coretta did not leave a will. As I know nothing of the latter it is even clearer you need a will. MLK’s fame means there is often assets coming into the estate long after his death without a living direct heir spouse setting up a trust to distribute the assets fights are inevitable. This almost always depends upon their personal financial situation.
Daddy could only have set up a will. this ctually seems to come down to Coretta for not setting up a trust.
Happinessexpress says
Being in the military we have an opportunity to at least determine who would get our finances when if something tragic were to happen. However, I am not truly satisfied or understand why or how this all came about with the King children. Why would Corretta not make a will or set up a trust after her husband was suddenly and tragically taken away from her? Why are her children so greedy for her money and can not peacefully resolve the situation between them? Why would they do this to their parents legacy? I wish the article featuring this would elaborate. Also, why isn’t there more black media seeking a sit down with all of the children and asking them for their motives and intentions of the legacy of Dr. King? We seem to be accepting as well as comforted with a paragraphed article about the situation. I’m an inquiring mind that wants to know.