Heath Ledger’s Daughter to Inherit Entire Estate

Ledger’s father has gifted everything to Matilda Rose. 

 It has been reported that every penny of Heath Ledger’s estate, estimated to be $20 million, will go to his two-year old daughter Matilda Rose.  Heath Ledger, whose most notable roles include a cowboy in Brokeback Mountain and the Joker in the summer blockbuster The Dark Knight, passed away in January of a prescription drug overdose.  The late actor’s estate is being probated in his hometown, Perth, Australia.  His will named his parents and sisters as the beneficiaries of his estate, leaving out his only daughter.  Ledger’s will was done two years before the birth of his daughter with Brokeback Mountain co-star Michelle Williams.  There was speculation as to whether Ledger’s former lover, Michelle Williams, would file a claim against the estate.  However, Ledger’s father has confirmed that no such claim exists and the family has gifted everything to Matilda Rose. 

 The Associated Press reported that Heath Ledger took out a life insurance policy from ReliaStar, a Minnesota based company.  It has been reported that the company is conducting a lengthy investigation into whether Ledger’s death was accidental or a suicide, even though his death has been officially ruled an accidental overdose.  Some question whether this is a stalling mechanism to avoid the substantial payout.  A lawsuit has been filed against the insurer, seeking the $10 million for Ledger’s daughter Matilda Rose.

 The attorneys at Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. recognize the importance of proper estate planning.  It is important to adjust a will or a trust when an event occurs which change the make-up of one’s family, such as a marriage, divorce, or birth of a child.  The attorneys at Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. have helped families properly plan estates in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island.  For questions regarding estate planning, please contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-888-556-2529 or visit the firm’s website at www.lbestatelaw.com.