A few weeks ago I wrote about the will contest surrounding the estate of The Jeffersons actor Sherman Hemsley, who died from lung cancer back in July: Celebrity Will Contests - Jeffersons' Sherman Hemsley Prevented from Movin' On Up. As previously discussed, two people were staking claim to the actor's remains and estate - Flora Enchinton, who is identified in Mr. Hemsley's alleged Last Will and Testament as his "beloved partner," and Richard Thornton of Philadelphia (where Hemsley grew up), who claims to be the actor's long lost brother. Mr. Thornton has contested the alleged will signed by Hemsley only a few weeks before his death that leaves everything to Ms. Enchinton. But not so fast. Now a third person has come forward to stake a claim - Robert Wells of Philadelphia says that his mother's grandmother was Hemsley's sister, and he also does not believe the validity of the alleged will, so his mother should be the rightful heir.
According to the El Paso Times, there is a hearing on the matter scheduled for today at 9 a.m. in front of Probate Judge Patricia Chew. While it is not clear what will be decided at the hearing, Mr. Hemsley's body continues to remain frozen at an El Paso funeral home until it is determined who has the right to decide what to do with the body. Another good example of how not to plan your estate.
Update September 26 - Actor Sherman Hemsley's Remains and Estate Will Stay Frozen for Now
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