A judge today delayed admitting the late Mickey Rooney’s will to probate after lawyers for the actor’s widow and his biological children said they have objections.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lesley Green postponed any action on the will until June 23.
Lawyers for Janice Rooney, who was married to the former child star when he died April 6 at age 93, said they want to make sure an accounting is done of Rooney’s property to make sure their client is not denied any share of her community property.
Meanwhile, Scott Ayers, who represents several of Rooney’s biological children, filed court papers stating that his clients are concerned the that all of the actor’s belongings were left to one of his stepsons, Mark Rooney, who lived resided with the diminutive former screen star in Studio City when he died.
The amount of assets listed in the will was at $18,000. However, lawyer Richard Petty, who represented Rooney before he died, said the actor’s estate also will receive royalties from his movie career and that he also owned Hollywood memorabilia.
Green said she cannot hear Ayers’ motion until he serves his clients’ court papers on all of the affected parties.
The judge gave attorney Michael Augustine, the special administrator of the Rooney estate, the powers to conduct some duties, including handling litigation involving the actor that arose before his death.
Another Rooney stepson, Christopher Aber, and his wife, Christine, agreed to pay $2.8 million to settle an elder abuse lawsuit brought against them on Rooney’s behalf. But in a separate lawsuit, the couple’s insurance company has denied any obligation to pay the amount.
Green also said Augustine can work to arrange a possible post-burial memorial tribute to Rooney. Petty said the event might be conducted by a Hollywood studio.
