Thomas Kinkade was a prolific artist. Like many famous people, he led a complicated life! He left an estate that may be worth over $100 million dollars.
Mr. Kinkade was married at the time of his death to Nanette and they had four children. They separated in 2010. The last year of his life he lived with Amy Pinto-Walsh in a home called “Ivy Gate” in Monte Serano.
Both women are seeking to administer his estate. Mrs. Kinkade has, so far, unsuccessfully sought to have the conflict resolved privately. She lost her bid in the superior court and she has appealed that ruling. Probate court proceedings are public.
Ms. Pinto-Walsh has produced two “Wills”. The first provides as follows:
“I, Thomas Kinkade, being of sound mind and body do hereby bequeath to Amy Pinto Walsh $10,000,000 in cash from my corporate policy and I give her the house at 16324 and 16342 Ridgecrest Avenue for her security. – Thomas Kinkade Nov. 18, 2011”
The following month, Mr. Kinkade wrote the following:
“I, Thomas Kinkade, hereby bequeath my house at 16342 Ridgecrest Avenue, Monte Sereno, CA to Amy Pinto in the event of my death. I also give the sum of $10,000,000 to Amy Pinto to be used for the establishment of the Thomas Kinkade Museum at 16324 Ridgecrest Ave., Monte Sereno, CA for the public in perpetuity of original art. This Statement is null and void if my relationship with Ms. Pinto ends as is defined by me in a future letter. – Thomas Kinkade 12-11-11”
Obviously, it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Absent a pre-marital agreement, Mrs. Kinkade has her own community property share. The issue is whether either writing by Mr. Kinkade is a valid will. Only time will tell!
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Mr. Kinkade was married at the time of his death to Nanette and they had four children. They separated in 2010. The last year of his life he lived with Amy Pinto-Walsh in a home called “Ivy Gate” in Monte Serano.
Both women are seeking to administer his estate. Mrs. Kinkade has, so far, unsuccessfully sought to have the conflict resolved privately. She lost her bid in the superior court and she has appealed that ruling. Probate court proceedings are public.
Ms. Pinto-Walsh has produced two “Wills”. The first provides as follows:
“I, Thomas Kinkade, being of sound mind and body do hereby bequeath to Amy Pinto Walsh $10,000,000 in cash from my corporate policy and I give her the house at 16324 and 16342 Ridgecrest Avenue for her security. – Thomas Kinkade Nov. 18, 2011”
The following month, Mr. Kinkade wrote the following:
“I, Thomas Kinkade, hereby bequeath my house at 16342 Ridgecrest Avenue, Monte Sereno, CA to Amy Pinto in the event of my death. I also give the sum of $10,000,000 to Amy Pinto to be used for the establishment of the Thomas Kinkade Museum at 16324 Ridgecrest Ave., Monte Sereno, CA for the public in perpetuity of original art. This Statement is null and void if my relationship with Ms. Pinto ends as is defined by me in a future letter. – Thomas Kinkade 12-11-11”
Obviously, it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Absent a pre-marital agreement, Mrs. Kinkade has her own community property share. The issue is whether either writing by Mr. Kinkade is a valid will. Only time will tell!
Comments (0)
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