When it comes to handling a deceased individual’s estate, the situation can become complicated if the decedent did not leave a will or any other estate plans behind. Such was the case with a now-famed street photographer who left no will behind after her somewhat recent death. Texas residents may be interested in the probate & estate administration issues that have since arisen.
Reports stated that before the woman died, a man had purchased a storage locker containing numerous rolls of undeveloped film for photographs that the woman had taken. Since her death, some of her photographs have been seen and revered as some of the best street photography of the 20th century. However, issues regarding copyright and other problems came about due to her lack of estate plans.
Probate proceedings have apparently been going on for approximately two years as the man who purchased the photographs hopes to gain the ability to print and show more of the woman’s work. However, a public administrator had taken over the woman’s estate in order to determine publishing rights and whether any relatives may have entitlement. In recent reports, it was stated that a settlement had been reached, but details on the settlement were not disclosed and Still required court approval.
Probate & estate administration complications can easily arise if individuals do not leave behind instructions for their assets in the event of their deaths. As with this case, certain items deemed valuable could fall into unintended hands, and a long legal process could ensue. If Texas residents would like to avoid the possibility of putting their surviving loved ones in a difficult position, they may wish to make sure that their estate plans are thorough and up-to-date.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Tentative settlement reached in fight over photographer Vivian Maier’s estate”, Jason Meisner, May 3, 2016