Anne Heche Estate Debacle
The late actress Anne Heche committed the cardinal sin of estate planning. She had not executed a will. Heche died after her car crashed into a private home leaving her estate in disarray.
Shortly after Heche’s death, a legal dispute arose between her 20-year-old son Homer Laffoon and her ex-partner James Tupper (and father of Laffoon’s half-brother, Atlas Heche Tupper). Homer filed for legal control over his mother’s estate soon after her death. James Tupper countered, claiming mismanagement of assets and that Homer has been hostile toward James Tupper and Atlas Heche Tupper. Moreover, as Atlas is a minor, Homer sought the appointment of a guardian for Atlas. Tupper alleged that “Atlas has no confidence in [Homer]’s ability to meet his fiduciary obligations to Atlas.”
The Los Angeles court first granted Homer expanded powers as special administrator of the estate, giving him permission to take possession of his late mother’s personal property. He was required to move the property into a storage facility and inventory the items within five days of the relocation. Thereafter, James Tupper claimed that $200,000 worth of jewelry has gone missing although no evidence of any wrongdoing had been found.
The value of the estate could not be conclusively determined. Heche had assets of about $400,000 and lived in a rented apartment. However, Heche’s second memoir is set to be released in January 2023. The estate can expect to receive book revenues and residuals for her acting roles. Twenty-year-old Homer was granted the power to protect the interests of Heche in “the publication agreement” of her forthcoming book, as well as receive copies of Heche’s financial records and file personal tax returns on her behalf.
In November, Lynne Mishele sued the estate for $2 million. Her home was destroyed as a result of the fiery car crash that killed Heche. The continuing legal battles could drain the estate of funds needed for the surviving children’s support and maintenance.
The Heche estate saga demonstrates the importance of having proper estate planning in place.
Evan J. Krame
