Many Florida residents know that probate decisions can include some wacky provisions, but few come down to a simple coin toss. A relative of a deceased interior designer is seeking legal redress, however, after he allegedly lost ownership of a valuable painting in a coin toss with his brother. That man is pursuing probate litigation in a bid to regain ownership of the painting.
Official reports show that the interior designer’s two nephews each gained a split share of his estate after his death in 2008. One of the brothers, however, lost a coin toss for ownership of the famous “Jug with Lemon” painting by Fernando Botero. That painting has been valued at $45,000. The brother who lost the toss is now filing a variety of estate litigation documents, effectively preventing his sibling and the will’s executors from receiving their payouts.
The Florida-based brothers have reportedly had strong words for each other, with one man threatening to bury the other under concrete. The executors in the matter say they are only willing to work with the brothers if they act in a civil fashion, which seems like a stretch for the 50-year-old who lost ownership of the painting. The brother who won the coin toss is 49 years old.
News articles show that the older brother is pursuing the estate litigation because he wants to preserve his relative’s assets while promoting his legacy and protecting his family members. The brother said that he wants to communicate his uncle’s success to others through information about the painting. Art experts say that the uncle’s collection also included other famous works, including “Still Life (with Mandolin,” also by Botero. It is not clear whether that painting is as valuable.
Probate litigation may be filed under a variety of circumstances. Beneficiaries and heirs who believe they have been mistreated may benefit from consulting a Florida attorney. These professionals may provide additional information about legal options for obtaining items that rightfully belong to the harmed parties.
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