Carley’s Corner – The Stieg Larsson Estate
Stieg Larsson was a Swedish writer, journalist and activist who passed away from a sudden heart attack in November of 2004. The legacy of Stieg Larsson, acclaimed author of the Millennium series (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), continues to captivate readers worldwide long after his untimely passing. As one of the most influential crime fiction writers of our time, Larsson's estate holds a key lesson for those embarking on their estate planning journey. Join us as we delve into the enigmatic world of Stieg Larsson's estate.
Larsson spent 32 years of his life in a committed relationship with Eva Gabrielsson. The pair never married, and had no children together over the years, however they were together right up until Larsson’s passing on November 9th, 2004. When Stieg passed away, he did not leave behind estate plans, or a Last Will and Testament.
This is where things get messy… Although Larsson & Gabrielsson had been in a relationship for the past 32 years, according to the Intestate Swedish Laws, his estate (worth roughly $40 million) was to be divided between his father and his brother leaving Eva with nothing. This sparked a dispute with Eva claiming that his family were never apart of their lives, and that Stieg had gone no contact with them over the years. To complicate matters more, Eva had worked alongside Steig on his literary works, however the legal rights to these works were given to his family rather than her.
The family has tried to settle with Gabrielsson on numerous occasions, however she has declined their offers saying that it is not about the money, but rather the legal rights to administer their literary works. This feud is ongoing to this day; however the court did eventually grant Eva ownership of their shared home after costly legal proceedings.
This situation is far too common, and proper estate planning is even more crucial when you’re in non-married relationship. Your partner won’t necessarily have the same protection and privileges as a spouse, so it is imperative that you have a Will to ensure that your partner is protected and provided for in the event of your passing. By clearly outlining your wishes and intentions in a legally binding document, you can prevent potential disputes, financial hardships, and uncertainties for your partner during a difficult time. Taking the proactive step of creating a Will not only safeguards your partner's future but also ensures that your legacy is preserved according to your wishes. Don't wait until it's too late—take the necessary steps to protect your loved one and secure their future today.
Remember, you are not alone in the estate planning process, and seeking professional advice can help ensure that you make informed decisions every step of the way. If you have questions about the role of Executor or need further assistance, click here to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today!
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you require legal advice, please contact a legal professional concerning your particular circumstances.