Readers in Houston are likely aware that estate administration is a detail-oriented affair, especially when multi-million dollar estates are involved. This has definitely proven to be the case in a probate battle that has stretched across national borders. The probate dispute involves a late boxer, his young widow, and a family that claims the widow was merely out for the boxer's money.

Arturo Gatti was a famous Brazilian boxer who passed away in July 2009. Three years earlier, he had met a young woman who was 14 years his junior in New Jersey. The two later married when the woman was just 20, and they shared a child together. However, members of the late boxer's family believe she killed him while the two were vacationing in Brazil.

In terms of estate planning, at issue are two separate wills. One will, signed in 2007, leaves all the boxer's assets to his mother and younger brother, as well as to his daughter from another marriage. However, another will that was signed just weeks before his death leaves everything to the man's young widow. The family has thus alleged undue influence, and that the wife forced her husband to sign the will. Members of the family have filed the probate suit in both the United States and Canada, although they recently lost their case in Canada. Unfortunately, the litigation has already consumed much of the inheritance.

Generally speaking, the right estate planning can help spouses and family members avoid such probate and family disputes. Changes to a will are best handled using the proper channels, and seeking out professionals who are familiar with estate and tax laws can help ensure that all of an individual's specific end-of-life wishes are duly carried out. To avoid problems over estates both large and small, Houston residents may want to consider taking the appropriate estate planning steps for themselves.

Source: The Gazette, "Arturo Gatti's widow wins inheritance court case," Sue Montgomery, Dec. 16, 2011