From the Desk of Lauran L. Stevenson
The Declared Heirs
Judge Kevin Eide has officially determined that the musician’s sister and five half-siblings are heirs to his massive fortune. In a ruling made public last Friday, Judge Eide ordered that Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, and Omarr Baker, Alfred Jackson, Sharon Nelson, Norrine Nelson and John R. Nelson will divide an estate valued at $100 million to $300 million before taxes.
This formal declaration of Prince’s heirs gives others a year to present credible claims that they also should be included. Judge Eide has already ruled several ineligible. Some of them have objected to making a final heirship determination, noting that their appeals of his rulings are pending at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
In his ruling, Judge Eide said if the Court of Appeals or state Supreme Court decides there are other heirs, the district court would review the cases. No distribution of assets can happen without a formal order from Judge Eide. No assets will be distributed that might adversely affect those who are challenging their right as heirs before the higher courts make any rulings, Judge Eide said.