29/05/2018
The grieving relatives and partner of George Michael are locked in a battle over his fortune.
George’s sisters, Melanie and Yioda as well as his cousin Alex Georgiou, who was George’s PA and driver, are trying to block the late singer’s boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz from making a claim on his estate.
Following George’s untimely death in 2016, Fadi has been living free of charge in one of George’s houses just off Regent's Park. Sources say George’s family has been courteous and generous to him, but as Fadi’s social media posts have become more disparaging of them, they’re keen to get him out.
Although George’s family are said to be averse to creating a media storm over the feud, the situation may soon come to a head as while Fadi remains in the property, the legal process surrounding probateis being prevented.
One of the reasons behind this could be that until all of George’s assets – his money, savings, properties etc. – have been valued, probate can’t be declared. This is the process of legally accepting a willas the last testament of a deceased person. So, while Fadi is holed up in Regent’s Park, and in dispute with his family, George's will can’t be finalised and his wishes carried out.
What rights Fadi has is debatable. Legally, unless George left him something in his will, he has no claim to the property he’s currently living in or anything else belonging to George. Living together doesn’t give him the right to inherit or to property either.
George never spoke publicly about who he wanted to inherit his fortune, so until his will is made public, it appears no one can move on – financially or emotionally.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.