Boseman’s Estate

American Actor, Chadwick Boseman, passed away in late August. The world was devastated and shocked by the news. Fans were unaware that Boseman had been sick. The actor died after a long four-year battle with colon cancer. One of the few people who knew about his illness was his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward. The couple secretly got married before his death.  There are no known children between the couple. The actor  died without a will, which means he died without a plan for his estate. Since Boseman lived in California, California law will determine the heirs over the estate.

Boseman’s wife, Ledward, has filed court documents with California Probate court to become administrator of her husband’s estate. When someone dies without a will this is legally known as dying intestate. Usually the  surviving spouse will receive all the decedent’s (Boseman) property if the decedent does not have any surviving children. Here it does not appear that the couple had any children together or separately. According to Page Six, the legal documents state Boseman is survived by his parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman and his wife, Ledward.” No other family was listed. Although, Boseman is also survived by two siblings. His brother Derrick and Kevin, but they are not listed.

When a person in California dies without a will their assets will be distributed according to California law. Surviving family members could be distributed assets, but the court will consider a certain order.

 According to papers filed in Los Angeles County probate court, the estate has an estimated value of $938,500. The value could be higher because some assets are not subject to probate usually non-probate property, jointly owned assets, and assets in a trust. The probate court will consider probate assets only. These are assets owned solely by the decedent, Boseman. The $938,500 likely consists of real property in Boseman’s name and his personal property such as his car that is solely in his name or his bank account that is solely in his name.

Taylor Simone Ledward is requesting for a judge to name her administrator of the estate with limited authority, according to documents obtained by Page Six. Given that Ledward is the decedent’s spouse, the court is likely to approve her requests. Unless other relatives contest the decision.  Ledward is asking to be appointed to administer the estate. What are your thoughts?

Do you think the court will appoint Chadwick Boseman’s wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, administrator of the state?