June 05, 2012
Eliza Presley's Lawsuit Is Back In Court
We've written extensively about the efforts by Eliza Presley to prove that she is half-sister to Elvis Presley and daughter to Vernon Presley, based on DNA and other evidence. Much of this same evidence also supports Eliza's claim that Elvis Presley is actually alive. You can get caught up to speed starting here, if you haven't followed this case before.
It's been more than a year since we last wrote that Eliza's case was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds. This meant that the court in which she filed her lawsuit was not able to hear the case; rather, the case had to go to a different court. Because of this and other legal hurdles, Eliza has never had her "day in court" to present her evidence to a judge or jury.
As we wrote then, Eliza was at the end of her road -- emotionally and financially -- and was not able to continue with the case. Trying to re-write the history books, which is what Eliza was literally trying to do, is no easy task. This is especially true when there are those who will go to extraordinary means to try to stop her.
Eliza has recently contacted us again and informed us that she has been able to restart the lawsuit, due in large part to previously undisclosed information her legal team received about Vernon Presley. But, she was forced to try a different legal approach this time. Unfortunately, Eliza is not able to disclose exactly where her case is proceeding or how. She said she is relieved that she can finally finish what she started.
Eliza was able to share this redacted letter from her attorney that disclosed something quite interesting about her case:
A third court proceeding has been started ... Ms. Presley intends to re-file in Probate Court in Tennessee ... She believes strongly that she should be recognized as Vernon Elvis Presley's child, and that she should be allowed to claim her share of the four separate trusts he left as his "unknown heirs" due to her adoption at birth.
[You can read the letter here]
The part about the trusts is particularly intriguing. With Vernon Presley's estate having been disbursed so long ago, it would be very difficult for Eliza to claim a share of his estate, even if she successfully proves that her DNA and other evidence are legit. But, with one or more trusts -- including shares for "unknown heirs" -- that could change the landscape entirely. It all depends on how the trusts are worded and what exactly was put into the trusts for the "unknown heirs."
It's quite unusual for someone to leave money for "unknown heirs." To the contrary, most people of wealth -- especially celebrities -- would do the opposite and exclude claims of any unknown heirs. Eliza Presley believes that Vernon Presley intentionally included this provision knowing that he had a daughter out there, whose identity he didn't know, because he wanted her to inherit something.
Eliza is still saddened by the fact she was denied the chance to ever meet or have a relationship with her father. She and her team are working on a special video tribute for Vernon Presley that will be released on Father's Day.
Eliza tells us the video will reflect on her father's life and put all questions to rest about her legal battle. She says it will be posted onto her personal YouTube page on Father's Day, June 17. The link for that is here.
By Danielle and Andy Mayoras, co-authors of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!, husband-and-wife legacy expert attorneys, and hosts of the national television special, Trial & Heirs: Protect Your Family Fortune! For the latest celebrity and high-profile cases, with tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your clients, click here to subscribe to The Trial & Heirs Update. You can “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
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