The Probate Lawyer Blog

Russell Armstrong was the 47-year old husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Taylor Armstrong.  Tragically, Russell committed suicide on August 15th about one month after  Taylor had filed for divorce.  Russell was reportedly distraught over how the Bravo TV Show was going to portray him in this upcoming season.  His unexpected suicide took his whole family by surprise.  

The already sad situation turned even uglier a few days ago when attorneys for the family members began to argue, publicly, about his funeral.  Russell’s attorney told numerous media outlets that Taylor had not told Russell’s parents or sister about the burial arrangements.  In fact, he blasted Taylor and her attorney saying:

“I am deeply disgusted that Taylor would use her family law attorney to create cover, by lying to me over a period of days, on her behalf in writing that she would share the funeral location and time with my client’s mother, father, sister and other family members.  Instead, no one has contacted them and it is apparent now that Taylor is using this death to further injure the Armstrongs.  As if filing for divorce was not enough, this act of cutting out his mom, dad, and sister is frankly, despicable.”

Zsa Zsa Gabor has always been associated with glamour in Hollywood — queen of film and television over the course of a five-decade career, married nine times, and even able to parlay a famous slap of a police officer into a career revival.  In fact, she has recently been called “the first and probably biggest Hollywood celeb to become famous for being famous.” Aptly put.  

But when does pursuing fame cross the line for a 94-year old? That point may have come this week, when her husband of 25 years told the media that he had started the process of donor matching and blood work so he could turn Zsa Zsa into Ma Ma.

That’s right, the esteemed Prince Frederic von Anhalt is planning to arrange for an egg donor, surrogate mother, and artificial insemination to allow Zsa Zsa to once again enjoy the wonder of motherhood.

The Godfather of Soul passed away on Christmas Day, 2006, and generously left his $100 million fortune to a special trust set up to help poor and needy children.  Yet, four-and-a-half years later, not one child has seen a cent.  Why?  

The court battle over his final wishes has dragged on … and on … and on, as court fights often do.  While most estate fights are devastating for family members, both emotionally and financially, this one has affected many more — those that needed help the most.  How did this happen?

James Brown passed away with at least nine children, three ex-wives, and a woman who may or may not have been his widow.  This woman, Tomi Rae Hynie, was technically still married to another man when she tied the knot with James Brown (although that marriage was later annulled, reportedly).  Hynie also had a child named James Brown, II, which may or may not have been fathered by Brown.