Gene Hackman’s death was shrouded in mystery (Image: Getty)
A major question over and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths could hold the key to who will inherit their huge $80million (£61m) fortune. Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, , with authorities confirming their causes of deaths weeks later.
Betsy is said to have died on February 11 from meaning he was alive for up to seven days following her death. He died from heart failure, which stemmed from severe Alzheimer’s.
He had arranged to leave his fortune in a trust given to Betsy, who had no children and her closest relative was her elderly mother, in the assumption she would die after him. But as she seemingly died first, her money would also go into the same trust set up by Gene. Betsy had arrangements for her wealth to go to local charities which she and Gene had supported over the years.
Gene and Betsy’s will could spark a battle within the family (Image: Getty)
This leaves a major question mark over whether Gene’s three children will get anything from their dad’s fortune, as the arrangements for the Gene Hackman Living Trust is unknown because it is a private document.
The will, however, does not name them, or give them any responsibilities in handling Hackman’s estate, but instead named lawyer Julia Peters for in case Betsy died before him.
Gene is said to have had a complicated relationship with his three children Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58, as he admitted he was not that present during their formative years.
TMZ have reported that Christopher has enlisted lawyer Andrew M. Katzenstein, a $2,000-an-hour partner of prestigious firm Proskauer Rose.
A LA-based trust and estates lawyer told Mail Online: “I know Andy. He is the best of the best. He is someone who regularly gives talks about estate issues and he is always on the cutting edge of the latest developments in estate law. He’s a lovely man but ruthless in court.
“I’m not saying that Christopher is gearing up for a fight but it’s possible. You would imagine Gene Hackman told his children what his intentions were. If there is an issue about one or more of the children being left out of the will then Andy is the guy you want in your corner.
“He is an old-school gentleman but when he is defending a client he’s a pitbull.”