Chadwick Boseman’s brothers have asked a Los Angeles court to remove his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, as administrator of the late actor’s estate.
Kevin and Derrick Boseman filed the petition on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, alleging that Ledward has not fully distributed assets covered by an October 2022 probate order.
The Black Panther star died without a will, there for Ledward was entitled to 50% of the estate, while his parents were each due 25%.
The brothers claim their parents still have not received everything required under that arrangement nearly four years after the order was issued.
The Family Says the 2022 Distribution Order Was Not Completed
According to a petition obtained by PEOPLE, Ledward allegedly “never fully distributed” the remaining half of the estate after the court approved its division in 2022. The filing says she has continued exercising complete control over the estate without meaningful input from Leroy and Carolyn, preventing them from participating in decisions affecting their financial interests.
“Respondent continues to exert unilateral control over Decedent’s estate, denying Decedent’s family long overdue closure or participation in decision-making,” the brothers allege. They argue that the delay has caused financial and emotional harm to their parents, who are now being deprived of assets at an age when that support could be particularly important.
The Petition Lists Insurance, Bank Accounts and Residuals
One disputed asset is a $40,000 long-term care policy that the 2022 order allegedly directed Ledward to transfer to Carolyn. Kevin and Derrick claim the policy has still not been distributed. The filing also alleges that one of Boseman’s bank accounts and his individual retirement account remain “inexplicably open,” although the brothers say they do not know how much money those accounts contain.
Other assets identified in the petition include royalties, SAG-AFTRA residual payments dating from 2020, real estate, personal property and rights connected to Boseman’s image and intellectual property. The brothers also refer to what they describe as a previously undisclosed account at City National Bank.
They claim unclaimed property belonging to Boseman was never collected, accounted for or distributed. The petition further alleges that Ledward has retained unilateral control over commercial uses of the actor’s name and likeness while preventing his family from pursuing potential business opportunities that could benefit his parents.
His Brothers Want a Forensic Accountant to Take Control
Kevin and Derrick are asking the court to replace Ledward with Jason Rubin, a private professional fiduciary and forensic accountant. They argue that an independent administrator should identify the estate’s remaining property, provide a complete accounting and finish the required distributions.
The petition also asks the court to order Ledward to explain why she should not be held in contempt for allegedly failing to comply with the 2022 order. It seeks records covering residuals, royalties, bank accounts and other assets so the family can determine whether the estate has been properly administered.
ABC News reported that representatives for Ledward and the brothers had not responded to requests for comment. The court has not ruled on the removal request or the demand for a new administrator. Boseman died on Aug. 28, 2020, at age 43 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer.