Here’s How Gene Hackman’s Estranged Children Can Still Get His $80M Fortune Despite Being Left Out Of His Will

Last week, we reported that the two-time Oscar-winning star Gene Hackman had left his three estranged children out of his will before he passed away. Now, however, experts are speaking out to reveal how Hackman’s kids can still receive his $80 million fortune.

Hackman’s Fortune

Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe mansion last month. Afterwards, it was revealed that all of Hackman’s assets went into a living trust. He established this trust decades ago and last amended it in 2005.

Sante Fe probate lawyer Thomas Banner told The New York Post that details of the trust have never been publicized. He added that at this time, few people know who is actually entitled to Hackman’s estate.

“There is no way to divine what the terms of the trust agreement are because trust agreements are intentionally private,” Banner explained.

Hackman and Arakawa had no children together. However, Hackman has three estranged children from a previous marriage: Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58. Though Hackman pointedly left them out of his will, it’s possible that the three are named among his trust benefactors. Even if they aren’t named, the trust could still go to the trio by default if the other trust benefactors are unable to receive it, for whatever reason.

Backstory: Gene Hackman’s 3 Children Left Out Of His Will – Massive Legal Battle Likely To Ensue Over His $80 Million Fortune

New Mexico Supreme Court Case

Meanwhile, an old New Mexico Supreme Court case could also come in handy for the three Hackman children. That is, if they are eager to declare the trust to be bogus.

In the 2009 case Chapman v. Varela, the state’s Supreme Court ruled that someone’s last will and testament can be overturned if “suspicious circumstances” indicates that the beneficiary had “undue influence” over it when it was written.

“The opinion that stands is the best road map we attorneys have in the state on how to attack a disposition, whether it’s a will, a trust, or something like that,” Banner stated.

At the time of his death, Hackman was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease. It’s unclear when he was diagnosed with this. However, if his children can prove that the trust and the will were made when he was already suffering from Alzheimer’s, they might have a case.

Banner concluded by saying that the secrecy of the trust “is not too surprising” considering how private Hackman was. However, he added that this “might be a place where someone could argue undue influence.”

Related: Gene Hackman Death Mystery Escalates As His Family Blocks Autopsy Release – ‘Highly Unusual’

Arakawa And Hackman Found Dead

The bodies of Arakawa and Hackman were found on February 26.

Arakawa died of Hantavirus, a rare flu-like virus often transmitted through rodent droppings. She likely passed away on February 12, which was when she made her last phone call.

Until this phone call came to light, officials had believed that Arakawa died on February 11.

Hackman was then in the mansion alone with her body for several days before succumbing to heart failure. Due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, officials believe that he may not have been aware that his wife was dead.

This is clearly an extremely tragic situation for everyone involved. We can only hope that Hackman’s final wishes are honored, and that his money goes to the people that he would want.