In another sad tale of celebrity probate issues, the estate of "Godfather of Soul" James Brown is still being fought over -- almost five years after he died. The singer's estate was worth $100 million, and it was his specific wish that the money be used to help poor and needy children. It's almost a relief that this case isn't being litigated in Florida.

Brown apparently did not want his own nine (or more) children, three ex-wives and reputed widow to see a dime. The family had grown so far apart in his later years that, rumor has it, his children had to set up an appointment to see him.

Just figuring out who was actually related to Brown proved tricky. The woman who claims to be his widow was actually married when she and Brown exchanged vows. She claims the earlier marriage was annulled, which would make her marriage with Brown legal, but questions linger.

She was with Brown for five years and during that time gave birth to a son, named after the singer. Questions remain here, as well -- was Brown the father?

A probate court settled the marriage and parentage matter in 2009 when it came up with a solution to the problem. Assume she was his wife, and assume the child was Brown's son. Split the estate in half, giving $50 million -- or what remained after legal fees and court costs -- to the trust and $50 million to the family.

Under this proposal, the widow would inherit one quarter of the estate. The children, including her son, would divide their one quarter share equally.

The court's decision may have run afoul of Brown's intent, but it would have gotten the money to the trust, and to the needy children, a lot faster.

Unfortunately, that's when the former administrators of the trust filed a formal objection to the settlement. And the wheels of charity ground to a halt.

We'll finish up the story in our next post.

Source: Forbes, "James Brown's Estate and Wishes Remain in Limbo," Danielle and Andy Mayoras, Aug. 8, 2011