Aretha Franklin's Sons Awarded Real Estate After A Handwritten Will Found Under A Couch Cushion Was Ruled Valid

Earlier in 2023, the late music legend’s sons went to trial to settle who would attain her estate.

As previously shared by AFROTECH, two handwritten wills were found under a couch cushion after Franklin’s passing in 2018. The first will, which was written in 2010, detailed that her son, Ted White II, would benefit the most from the estate alongside her niece, Sabrina Owens — who was named as a co-executor with White.

In addition, the will shared that Franklin’s sons, Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin, had to “take business classes and get a certificate or a degree” to be awarded.

Franklin’s second will, written in 2014, favored Kecalf and Edward and listed Kecalf as executor instead of White. The document also didn’t require business classes and stated that Franklin’s Bloomfield Hills home in Michigan was to be awarded to Kecalf and his grandchildren. 

Following the findings, Kecalf’s attorney, Charles McKelvie, argued that the 2014 will should revoke the 2010 will since it’s the most recent. White’s attorney, Kurt Olson’s defense was based on the argument that the 2010 will was signed while the 2014 will wasn’t. A jury went on to validate Franklin’s 2014 handwritten note as a Michigan will, AP News reported in July 2023.

Now, on Nov. 27, Billboard reports that Judge Jennifer Callaghan awarded real estate to Franklin’s sons. The outlet discloses that Kecalf is set to receive a property worth $1.1 million in 2018. What’s more, its value has increased since then.

For White, he received property in Detroit, which was sold by Franklin’s estate “for $300,000 before the dueling wills had emerged.”

According to the outlet, McKelvie said White “is requesting the sale proceeds.”

Additionally, Edward was awarded an additional property under the 2014 will, per the outlet.

While property has been officially awarded to Franklin’s sons, one of the properties worth over $1 million is said to have the likelihood of being sold. What’s more, the proceeds will be split among the four sons. 

“This was a significant step forward,” said McKelvie. “We’ve narrowed the remaining issues.”

However, the outlet notes the issue that still remains is how to go about Franklin’s music assets, “though the will appears to indicate that the sons would share any income.”

In January 2024, Judge Callaghan will hold a status conference.