Anne Heche’s death was a shock to both friends and family and fans who enjoyed her work. The controversy over Heche’s death in a car accident did not end with the event itself. Now, there has been a legal battle in her courts over her property, but now that battle seems to be over, at least for now.
James Tupper, Anne Heche’s former partner and father of Atlas, her 13-year-old son, had filed documents in court claiming he headed the actress’s estate before her death and that that was what she wanted. However, because Heche doesn’t have a legal will, a judge ruled that Heche’s adult son, Homer Heche Laffoon, will be in charge of the estate … at least for now. In a statement a Eastern time Laffoon’s attorney, Bryan Phipps, said:
We are pleased, but not surprised, by the court’s decision this morning denying James’s request to be appointed ad litem guardian of Atlas. We expect the court to resolve Homer’s motion at the next hearing and, in the meantime, Homer will continue to diligently manage the estate under his authority as special administrator.
The judge ruled that at the time there was simply no legal reason for Homer Heche Laffoon not to act as administrator of Anne Heche’s property, which is valued at approximately $ 400,000. The property will be split 50/50 between Homer and 13-year-old Atlas, but Homer will be the real estate administrator as Atlas is a minor.
There was some disagreement in court over other matters, such as whether or not Atlas was able to enter Heche’s apartment to collect his belongings. Tupper’s legal team said he had been prevented from doing so, but regardless of the situation, the judge ruled that Atlas should be allowed to enter the apartment to retrieve his personal belongings.
In August, Anne Heche was involved in a one-vehicle accident when her car crashed into a building, setting fire to both the vehicle and the building. Heche was eventually removed from the car, but not before firefighters were able to keep the fire under control. She the actress was in a coma for about a week before she was pronounced brain dead and had life support removed.
Tupper was clearly unhappy with the sentence and reportedly shook his head as the judge spoke, which the judge scolded him for. He has the ability to appeal the decision, so we’ll have to wait and see if this is really the end of this legal battle, or just the beginning. You have until October 20 to appeal.
Source: Cinemablend
