We previously posted about the disputed estate of Sherman Hemsley and we have an update to pass along.
The comedic actor passed away on July 24 at the age of 74. Hemsley, who is best known for his role as George Jefferson on the classic sitcom The Jeffersons, had never married and had no children.
He executed a last will that left everything to his longtime partner and manager Flora Enchinton. In fact, the verbiage of the will referred to Enchinton as his “beloved partner” according to reports.
This would seem like a rather simple estate case but you never know what can happen after you pass away. A man named Richard Thornton has emerged claiming to be the actor’s brother. In spite of the existence of a last will Thornton seems to think that he is entitled to any resources that remain.
This case is now in the hands of the probate court in El Paso, Texas, which is where Hemsley lived for the last 20 years. The judge has ordered a DNA test and an estate trial is scheduled for October 31.
As stated earlier Sherman Hemsley died on July 24. To this point his body is still being held in an El Paso funeral home. The trial will commence some three months after his death, and regardless of the outcome administering the estate will take some time as well.
This case demonstrates how lengthy the probate process can become if challenges are presented.
We will continue to monitor the situation and pass along the results of the trial when this information becomes available.
Mr. Horowitz was awarded his Juris Doctor degree with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law. While attending law school, Mr. Horowitz received the American Jurisprudence Award in Legal Ethics and the Nathan Burkan Award.
After graduation from law school, Mr. Horowitz continued his legal education at New York University School of Law where he received a Post Doctorate Law Degree in Taxation. He has also recently received a national achievement award.
Mr. Horowitz is admitted to practice before all the state courts in the State of Connecticut and the United States District Court.
Mr. Horowitz was selected for Super Lawyers in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
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