Chadwick Boseman’s family has turn into embroiled in a bitter legal dispute nearly six years after the “Black Panther” star’s death.
The late actor’s brothers, Kevin and Derrick Boseman, are asking a Los Angeles court to remove his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, as administrator of his estate. They accuse her of withholding information, delaying court-ordered distributions, and maintaining exclusive control over helpful assets tied to Chadwick’s funds and legacy.
Nevertheless, the allegations haven’t yet been proven in court.
Kevin and Derrick filed legal documents on Friday outlining several reasons they consider Taylor should not control their brother’s estate, in line with TMZ, which obtained the filing. The brothers allege that Taylor has kept their family at the hours of darkness concerning the estate’s status despite a 2022 court order dividing its assets between her and Chadwick’s parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman.
Under that agreement, Taylor was entitled to 50% of the estate, while Leroy and Carolyn were to share the remaining half. Previous court filings valued the distributable estate at roughly $2.3 million after expenses, although its total inventoried value had reportedly reached greater than $3.8 million.
Nearly 4 years after that arrangement was approved, Kevin and Derrick claim the administration stays unfinished and that their parents still haven’t received all the pieces to which they’re entitled. They allege the unresolved estate includes greater than $3 million held across various bank accounts, together with film residuals, royalties, investments, insurance policies, mental property rights, personal property, and income connected to Chadwick’s name and image.
Taylor has not publicly responded to the allegations.
The Brothers Want A Full Accounting Inside 30 Days
The filing reportedly identifies several tasks the brothers consider remain incomplete. Kevin and Derrick claim Taylor has not transferred a long-term care insurance policy to their mother, properly closed and distributed funds from Chadwick’s bank accounts, or fully accounted for SAG-AFTRA residual payments generated after his death. In addition they allege that she has didn’t collect and distribute unclaimed property belonging to the actor.
Residual payments can proceed arriving years after a performer’s death through television broadcasts, streaming, home entertainment, and other uses of past work. In Chadwick’s case, that might involve projects throughout his profession, including his appearances within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his acclaimed final performances.
The brothers are asking the court to order Taylor to offer an entire accounting and distribute the remaining estate assets inside 30 days. In addition they want her held in contempt for allegedly failing to comply with the 2022 order.
Under California’s probate process, an estate administrator is chargeable for identifying and collecting assets, resolving debts and taxes, maintaining financial records, and distributing the remaining property to the legally recognized beneficiaries. An accounting would document the cash received, expenses paid, assets retained, and distributions made throughout the administration.
Kevin And Derrick Boseman Want A Latest Administrator Appointed
Kevin and Derrick should not merely asking the court to impose a deadline. They need Taylor permanently faraway from her position and attorney Jason Rubin appointed to oversee the remaining work.
California courts can remove a private representative when legally recognized grounds exist, including mismanagement, failure to perform required duties, or conduct that places an estate’s property in danger. Filing a removal petition doesn’t mechanically establish that any misconduct occurred; the brothers will still must support their allegations before the court decides whether intervention is warranted.
Also they are asking the judge to forestall Taylor from signing major contracts involving Chadwick’s estate without the family’s approval and require her to offer copies of existing estate-related agreements.
Based on the filing, the alleged delays have left Chadwick’s parents without money and insurance advantages they were awarded. His brothers further claim the family has been unable to pursue certain business opportunities involving his legacy while Taylor continues to make the most of his name and likeness.
Kevin and Derrick say they made quite a few attempts to resolve the matter directly before turning to the court. They now want Taylor ordered to cover the family’s attorney’s fees and other legal expenses.
Chadwick Boseman Died Without Leaving A Will
The continuing conflict is rooted partly within the incontrovertible fact that Chadwick died intestate, meaning he didn’t leave a legally enforceable will directing how his probate assets must be handled.
Taylor petitioned to turn into administrator shortly after his death and was appointed because the estate’s personal representative with limited authority in November 2020. On the time, the estate was initially estimated to contain roughly $938,500 in assets. Later filings revealed additional funds, including residual payments, that substantially increased its reported value.
Because Chadwick had no children and left no will, California succession laws determined who could inherit the probate property. Nevertheless, not all the pieces related to a deceased celebrity necessarily falls right into a single probate estate. Insurance proceeds with named beneficiaries, jointly owned accounts, trusts, corporate assets, and certain contractual rights could be governed individually.
That distinction may turn into vital because the court examines the brothers’ claims regarding insurance, mental property, royalties, and contracts connected to Chadwick’s image.
The dispute also highlights why the administration of a star estate can proceed long after an initial distribution order. Unlike a single bank balance, residuals and licensing income may keep arriving, while the industrial use of a performer’s name and likeness can create continuing financial and approval questions.
The Legal Battle Follows A Public Display Of Family Unity
The court fight presents a stark contrast to the united image Chadwick’s family members displayed only months ago. In November 2025, Taylor, Kevin, and Derrick attended the actor’s posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. Taylor accepted the dignity on her husband’s behalf, while his brothers joined fellow stars and collaborators in celebrating his legacy.
Chadwick died on August 28, 2020, at age 43 after privately battling colon cancer for 4 years. He continued filming projects resembling “Black Panther,” “Da 5 Bloods,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” while undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy.
“A real fighter, Chadwick persevered through all of it and brought you lots of the movies you’ve come to like a lot,” his family said while announcing his death, per BBC. “It was the dignity of his profession to bring King T’Challa to life in ‘Black Panther.’”
Now, the court must determine whether Taylor has failed to finish her legal responsibilities or whether she will be able to adequately account for the estate’s remaining assets. Until the judge rules, Kevin and Derrick’s claims remain allegations, and Taylor continues to function administrator.