We have been following the Sherman Hemsley estate dispute over the last few months. You may recall that his last will was being challenged by a Philadelphia resident named Richard Thornton. This individual claims to be Hemsley’s brother.

It is a curious challenge because an individual has every right to execute a last will that excludes his or her brother. However, this challenge did go forward, and it resulted in the body of the deceased actor being held in a funeral home in El Paso, Texas, since Hemsley’s death on July 24, 2012.

The person who was named in Hemsley’s will as his sole heir and executor is Flora Enchinton, who has been described as his good friend, partner, and business manager.

It is now being reported that the body of Sherman Hemsley has been buried in Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso.

The court ultimately decided that the last will was indeed valid and that Flora Enchinton could go forward making final arrangements.

When you read about a case like this that is hung up in probate due to a challenge you can see why it is a good idea to discuss things with a licensed estate planning lawyer before you decide on a vehicle of asset transfer.

It would have been possible for Hemsley to make arrangements that made an estate challenge much more difficult.

If you are interested in taking steps to prevent successful challenges, take action right now to set up a consultation with a good local Oklahoma City estate planning lawyer.

Larry Parman
Author, President and Founding Attorney
Parman & Easterday