‘LOVE’ Does Have To Do With It

“A judge is being asked to order a variety of groups to provide any records of his assets. The estate of Indiana, who died in May, is initially estimated to be worth $50 million.”

Eight attorneys representing individuals and organizations connected to the late artist Robert Indiana, creator of the iconic “LOVE” sculpture, are asking that future hearings be held in closed sessions to protect people’s privacy and the value of some of his works of art, reports Press Herald in a recent article titled “Attorneys want hearings on the value of Robert Indiana’s estate held behind closed doors.”

Atty. James Brannan, who represents Indiana’s estate, is requesting information in a testimonial hearing to better determine the estate’s value.

 Due to the disagreement, Judge of Probate Carol Emery postponed the testimonial hearing and set a new date for a hearing in mid-September. The first scheduled witness will be Indiana’s caretaker, Jamie Thomas.

Brannan has petitioned the court to order Jamie Thomas, the Morgan Arts Foundation, Michael McKenzie and American Image to provide documentation on any assets they may have, that belong to the estate, including contracts for royalties.

The attorneys representing Thomas said he’s concerned about confidential matters becoming public. The judge has asked attorneys to file arguments on how she can justify closing the proceedings. It’s not easy to do, because of the First Amendment.

The attorney said the publication of information about where pieces of art are located would create a safety issue and information about the number of existing artworks could have an impact on the value of pieces that are up for sale.

Indiana’s will wanted proceeds from the estate to be used to restore his home to museum quality and serve as an art environment that would be open to the public for classes and lectures, and to preserve his collection and the property itself.

The will directed that Jamie Thomas be the executive director of the museum.

The Maine Attorney General’s Office is monitoring the disposition of the estate because of its size and  since a large portion of the estate was set to be given for a charity.

For more information about estate planning in Orlando, FL (and throughout the rest of Central Florida), visit our estate planning website and be sure to subscribe to our complimentary estate planning e-newsletter while you are there.

Resource: Press Herald (Aug. 7, 2018) “Attorneys want hearings on the value of Robert Indiana’s estate held behind closed doors”