Tom Petty’s Estate Is Causing More Heartbreak

May 29, 2019

After passing away in October 2017, Tom Petty’s estate has seen it’s fair share of legal issues. The latest filed by Petty’s two daughters, Adria Petty and Annakim Violette, who are beneficiaries under their father’s trust. The daughters have now filed suit against Petty’s widow, Dana York Petty, who is also the directing trustee of the trust. The claims allege that York Petty is superseding the daughters’ right to “equal participation” in making decisions for the late singer’s catalog. The daughters claim that the phrase “equal protection” in the trust agreement should be interpreted to mean they have a majority vote representing two-thirds of the parties to handle Petty’s assets.

With the goal of protecting their father’s legacy, Adria and Annakim are looking to carry out what they believe are their father’s wishes. They are seeking $5 million in damages. Unfortunately, legal battles like these are when it is easy to realize how important it is to draft clear language in your estate planning documents so that your wishes strictly follow your intent, instead of free fallin’.