We write about celebrities a lot. The media seems to believe that probate can only be interesting if it involves someone famous, even if that person was famous just for being famous. One of those stories caught our eye this week, and then we were distracted by another story that had us wondering just how an estate administrator would feel in that situation. These are the headlines you are grateful not to see in a local Miami paper.

The famous person was the husband of one of television's Real Housewives. He committed suicide last week, apparently distraught over how he would be treated in the second season, scheduled to air soon. He and his wife were separated; she had filed for divorce. He was in deep financial trouble. It's really a terrible story.

A few days ago, an online celebrity news source reported that the estranged wife was not sharing information about the funeral arrangements with the decedent's parents and other family members. The husband's attorney threatened to sue if the wife did not release her husband's remains to his family.

Meanwhile, a cleaning company has filed suit against a man's estate. The company had cleaned the decedent's home following his death -- it took three days -- and now sues for payment.

The company's website apparently advertises a specialty in crime scene and trauma clean up. The company alleges that the "circumstances of his death resulted in a biohazardous situation in the Residence requiring Plaintiff's specialized services."

The company requests payment for services (about $33,000) as well as pre-judgment interest (highest possible rate), attorney's fees and post-judgment interest. The company also asks the court to order that the decedent's home be sold so that the proceeds may be used to pay them.

So, we have a story about a person who was famous and apparently didn't want to be, and a story about a $30,000 biohazardous house cleaning. Hmmm.

Sources:

Southeast Texas Record, "Crime scene cleaning company sues to recover $30K," Kelly Holleran, Aug. 6, 2011

RadarOnline, "War Erupts Over Russell Armstrong's Funeral Between Taylor And His Family," Jen Heger, Aug. 20, 2011