What's happened
Virginia Giuffre's estate is now subject to legal contest following her death by suicide in April. Her sons seek control of her assets, including properties and her memoir revenue, amid opposition from her former lawyer and caregiver. Court hearings are ongoing into the estate's management and inheritance claims.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing legal contest over Virginia Giuffre's estate underscores the complexities of posthumous inheritance, especially when no will exists. The involvement of her estranged husband and daughter reflects the fractured family dynamics and the high-profile nature of her claims against Epstein and Prince Andrew. The appointment of a temporary administrator indicates the court's cautious approach amid multiple claims. This case exemplifies how unresolved disputes can extend long after a person's death, especially in cases involving significant public interest and controversial allegations. The outcome will likely set a precedent for similar cases involving high-profile figures and disputed estates, emphasizing the importance of clear estate planning in complex family and legal situations.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Virginia Giuffre's estate is now embroiled in legal disputes following her death, with her sons seeking control of her assets amid opposition from her former lawyer and caregiver. The court has appointed a temporary administrator, and further hearings are scheduled for next year. The New York Post highlights that her estate, valued at over $12 million, includes settlements from Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, with family members contesting Robert Giuffre's claim to her estate. AP News and Reuters detail the broader legal battles involving her children, estranged husband, and other claimants, illustrating the high-profile nature of the case and the ongoing disputes over her legacy and assets. The coverage underscores the complexity of inheritance law in cases of intestacy and the influence of public interest in high-profile legal disputes.
How we got here
Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew, died by suicide in April 2025 without leaving a will. Her estate, valued at over $12 million, includes properties and settlement payments from Epstein and Prince Andrew. Her sons filed to control her estate, which is now under legal dispute, with opposition from her former lawyer and caregiver. The case highlights ongoing legal battles over inheritance and rights to her memoir and assets.
Go deeper
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Virginia Louise Giuffre is an American advocate of justice for sex trafficking victims. She is one of the most prominent and outspoken survivors of the sex trafficking ring that was operated by convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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Prince Andrew, Duke of York, KG, GCVO, CD, ADC is a member of the British royal family.
He is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.