The family of Mica Miller is battling her estranged pastor husband over dropping her married name, a decision Mica had made for herself in the midst of her separation.
John Paul Miller, 45, is fighting the efforts of Mica's sister, Sierra Francis, to ax Miller from her last name and have it posthumously reverted to her maiden name, the Post and Courier reported, citing court documents.
"(Mica) is entitled to have her maiden name restored to her, or to have the last name Miller dropped, for she is deceased and her estate is not trying to hide from any debts, obligations or any other legal responsibilities that may exist," according to Francis' amended complaint filed in May, the outlet reported.
Before her death, Mica, 30, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, also requested to legally abandon the Miller name in the midst of her separation from John Paul.
If granted, Mica's death certificate and any legal documents would reflect the change.
Mica was found dead in Lumber River State Park in Orrum, North Carolina, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound April 30, according to authorities.
The couple's relationship had been deteriorating amidst rumors of John Paul''s alleged narcissism and abuse, prompting Mica to file for divorce earlier this year, loved ones said. The Solid Rock pastor was believed to be romantically involved with another woman at the time.
"You can love somebody and be separated, and you can love them just the same and be divorced. Sometimes things don't stop your love for the person," he previously said.
Mica's family have called for further investigation into her death, which they allege was suspicious and premeditated. They've pushed back on local authorities' claims she killed herself and Mica's father, Michael Francis, said he suspected her death was "all staged," according to NewsNation.
