It has been revealed who will inherit Hayden Panettiere's estate
Following the death of 36-year-old Hayden Panettiere on August 16, questions arose about the fate of her multimillion-dollar estate. Lawyers note that in the absence of a will, the actress’s estate may be inherited by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaia, and the issue of managing the estate may involve her father, Wladimir Klitschko.
Journalists from the well-known American magazine PEOPLE consulted with California lawyers to determine exactly who will inherit the fortune of the star of the TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” and what role her former fiancé—Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko—will play in this matter.
At this time, investigators and family members are not disclosing whether Panettiere had time to draw up an official will or establish a special trust fund before her death. The future of her estate will depend on this document.
If the actress did indeed establish a trust fund, the estate distribution process will proceed without lengthy public court hearings. The trust will allow all financial details to be reliably kept private from prying eyes and will clearly specify the age at which her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya-Eudokia, will gain full access to the funds—for example, not at 18, but at 25 or 30.
However, if it turns out that neither the will nor the trust exists, under California state law, all assets automatically pass to her sole direct heir—her daughter Kaya. In that case, Hayden’s own parents would not receive any share of the principal assets.
Since Kai is only 11 years old, she is not legally entitled to independently manage the millions. In such a case, the court appoints a special guardian for the minor’s estate. Lawyers emphasize that the leading candidate for this role is the girl’s biological father—Vladimir Klitschko. Since 2018, he has had full custody of the child, and they live together in Europe.
Of course, the parents of the late actress can also file a petition with the court to be appointed guardians of the estate, but experts are confident that the court will almost certainly side with her biological father. It’s worth noting that although Kaya lives in Europe, all court hearings and oversight of the estate will take place exclusively under California law, where the majority of the star’s assets are located.
Incidentally, Panettiere’s estate consists of more than just real estate and bank accounts. It also includes a substantial passive income that will continue to flow in regularly for years to come. This includes:
- royalties from reruns of hit TV series such as “Heroes” and “Nashville,” as well as films in the “Scream” franchise, among others;
- proceeds from sales of her controversial memoir, which was published this year;
- rights to use her name and likeness, as well as licensing royalties (NIL rights).
All of these substantial payments will go directly to a trust fund or to the account of Kai’s guardian. The person managing the funds will be required to submit a detailed financial report to the court each year until the girl reaches the age of majority.
Source: PEOPLE
Earlier, Klitschko commented for the first time on the death of his ex-fiancée Hayden Panettiere.
The last photos of Hayden Panettiere before her death have been released.
American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in the TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” as well as for being the former fiancée of Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, died at the age of 36.
Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in the American TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” died at the age of 36.
