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Is It Time for a Fresh Start? page 1
The Wild History of the Wild West’s Stump Houses
Co-Parenting Without the Chaos page 2
Florida’s Rules on Moving Kids 50-Plus Miles
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars page 3
Don’t Worry About a Thing (Except Getting a Will) page 4
BOB MARLEY’S ESTATE: EVERYTHING IS NOT GOING TO BE ALRIGHT
AN ORGANIZED ESTATE Eventually, the Jamaican courts appointed a court-supervised administrator to handle Marley’s estate — a move meant to avoid further family infighting and keep things above board. The estate was restructured under a holding company, Nine Mile, and later managed by a team of professionals to protect Marley’s image and assets. To this day, the estate remains active and highly valuable. Marley still consistently ranks among the top-earning deceased celebrities, pulling in millions annually from music sales, merchandise, and licensing. Bob Marley’s probate case reminds us that no matter how famous or well- recognized you are, dying without a will can create chaos, especially when significant assets are involved. Legal fees pile up, relationships can fall apart, and it can take years to settle everything.
When Bob Marley passed away in 1981 at age 36, the reggae icon left behind a massive musical legacy and a major legal mess. Why? He didn’t leave a will.
Despite being one of the most famous musicians on the planet, Marley died intestate (the legal term for dying without a will). At the time of his death, his estate was estimated to be worth around $30 million, and that number has only grown thanks to royalties, licensing deals, and merchandise. NO WILL, BIG PROBLEMS Without a will, Marley’s estate was subject to Jamaican intestacy laws, which meant his wife, Rita Marley, and his 11 recognized children were supposed to share the estate. While this sounds simple, it didn’t work out that way. Over the years, numerous lawsuits popped up. There were legal battles between family members, former business managers, and even people who claimed to be Marley’s children. To make matters worse, in the mid-1990s, Rita was accused of trying to forge documents that would have given her control over Bob’s name and likeness rights. That claim led to a prolonged court case and more delays in distributing the estate.
So, the takeaway is to plan ahead. A will (and potentially a trust) can save your loved ones a world of trouble — and ensure your legacy is handled exactly the way you want.
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