This morning, 11 days after his death, family members of the late legendary musician Prince gathered at the Carver County courthouse in Chaska, Minn., to hear the confirmation of Bremer Trust as the special administrator of his estate. The hearing lasted less than 15 minutes.
This hearing was necessary because, according to Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson who filed court documents last week, the singer did not have a will or trust in place at the time of his death.
Judge Kevin Eide formalized the appointment of Bremer Trust to handle all matters involving Prince’s estate, which is estimated to be around $300 million. “We are not finding that there’s no will, but that no will has yet been found,” Eide said.
If a will is never found, Minnesota law states that Prince’s estate would be divided equally between his siblings: full sister Tyka and half-siblings Alfred Jackson, Norrine Nelson, Sharon Nelson, Omarr Baker and John Nelson. In addition to getting his money, they would also be in control of his brand, which includes the NPG record label and thousands of unreleased songs.
All but one of Prince’s siblings agreed that Bremer Trust should be in control. Half-brother John, who was not in court today, is said to have the same feelings as the rest of his siblings but just did not sign the consent forms.
Since his death, many have come forward claiming to be Prince’s offspring, which could change matters if a will is never found. Heir Hunters International, a Los Angeles-based firm that searches for possible heirs to estates, has been looking into several of these claims, and one official investigation has so far been launched, according to the company’s co-owner Shar Mansukhani.
Additionally, Heir Hunters discovered a “teenage grandniece” - the granddaughter of Prince’s half-brother who died years ago. “She will inherit the share that her grandparent would’ve been entitled to,” said Minnesota-based attorney Chris Burns.
Prince died at the age of 57 on April 21. His cause of death remains unknown, and the results of his autopsy have yet to be revealed. There was a private memorial service April 23 at Paisley Park (the famed compound where Prince lived and worked) for his family and close friends. “Prince’s remains have been cremated and their final storage will remain private,” his publicist said. “We ask for your blessings and prayers of comfort for his family and close friends at this time.”
