Another high-profile will contest is brewing, and those of us who find probate fascinating will be watching closely as the case unfolds in Broward County.

South Florida lost a well-known, perhaps notorious radio talk show personality in December. Neil Rogers had suffered a heart attack and stroke a few weeks earlier, and he'd come back to Florida from Canada for a couple of reasons. There was the medical treatment, certainly, but there were also a small group of friends he wanted to be with.

The will contest involves three potential heirs. First, a 21-year-old friend who was with Rogers in Canada. Various documents describe the young man as Rogers' companion, and reports are that Rogers was supporting him at the time of his death. Second (and third) are two longtime friends -- the friends Rogers returned to Florida to be near. Rogers had no immediate family.

Two recently drawn-up wills have emerged. One was written in Toronto on November 3. In that document, Rogers left his entire estate to his 21-year-old companion. The second was signed on November 23, after Rogers had returned to Florida. The estate was divided equally between the 21-year-old and the two other friends.

Rogers had filed a will in July 1997 that named the two friends as his heirs, dividing the estate equally between them.

While the November 23rd will includes a clause that specifically declares any will signed in Canada null and void, Rogers' companion has told the probate court that the instrument is invalid. He argues that Rogers was very ill and was suffering from dementia by the time he allegedly signed the will.

The fourth person involved in the dispute is Rogers' agent and attorney. In the November 23rd will, Rogers named this man his personal representative.

The value of the estate is unknown. However, Rogers was the first radio personality in the area to earn more than $1 million a year.

In his more than 30 years on the air, Rogers never shied away from controversy. In death, his reputation remains intact.

Source: Sun-Sentinel.com, "Legal battle begins over radio personality Neil Rogers' estate," Jon Burstein, 03/23/2011