[griojw id=”CBCQDj8K” playerid=””]
Aretha Franklin’s sister-in-law wants some respect for the services she rendered as a caregiver to the singer in the months leading up to her death.
Earline Franklin has filed a claim against Aretha’s estate, asking to be compensated $43,000 for her services from April to August of 2018.
READ MORE: Aretha Franklin’s Detroit mansion sells for $300K
A year after her death, the future of Aretha’s estate is at the center of a power struggle between the late singer’s family and their attorneys.
Earlier this month, a hearing was held in which nine lawyers battled over the future management of the estate and it ended with Oakland County, Mich., Probate Court Judge Jennifer Callaghan placing control under court supervision, the Detroit Free Press reported.
Earline who was married to the singer’s brother Cecil Franklin is pursuing the payment of “$16,740 (April), $17,298 (May), $16,470 (June), $17,298 (July) and $4,464 (August),” The Blast reported. She wants $5,000 for “Return of Air Force Military Flag”.
Earline has got an uphill battle since the estate is embroiled in a legal battle.
For now, the court will execute decisions on behalf of Franklin’s estate, which includes property sale. Furthermore, despite the current legal status, Franklin’s niece Sabrina Owens will continue to be the estate’s personal representative.
—R. Kelly was a ‘no show’ at pretrial hearing in Chicago—
Franklin, who died at age 76 last August, left an estate said to be worth as much as $80 million, according to Forbes, including real estate holding and the rights to her original compositions.
The Free Press reports the debate over estate control is believed to have increased tensions in the family, made evident by arguments made by lawyers during the hearing.
For example, an attorney for Franklin’s youngest son, Kecalf, said he should have more input in decisions of the estate, while Owens authority should be “restricted.”