Legal Fight Over Karl Lagerfeld's Money

There is a legal fight over the money left by fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. Someone is questioning his will, which could mean his family gets money instead of the friends he chose. His cat, Choupette, will still be looked after.
By Newsroom | Fashion, Legal |

A legal dispute has emerged over the substantial fortune of the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, raising questions about the distribution of his estimated €200 million estate. The challenge, brought by an unknown plaintiff, could alter the beneficiaries named in Lagerfeld's will and potentially redirect wealth to his estranged blood relatives. While the legal battle unfolds, the care arrangements for his famous cat, Choupette, appear secure, unaffected by the core dispute over the inheritance.

Background of the Dispute

Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic designer for Chanel, meticulously planned his estate. However, his final wishes are now under scrutiny, threatening to overturn beneficiaries he designated. Reports indicate that Lagerfeld had become estranged from his surviving nieces and nephews in the decades leading up to his death. Despite this, a legal challenge is now in progress that could see these relatives inherit a portion of his wealth. The executor of Lagerfeld's estate, Christian Boisson, has reportedly contacted these family members, informing them of the potential for inheritance should the challenge succeed.

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Mystery plaintiff challenges Karl Lagerfeld’s will, but pampered cat can rest easy - 1

  • Key Players: Karl Lagerfeld (deceased designer), Christian Boisson (estate executor), Lagerfeld's nieces and nephews (potential beneficiaries), Sébastien Jondeau (long-time assistant), Hudson Kroenig (godson), Brad Kroenig (model), Baptiste Giabiconi (model), Choupette (Lagerfeld's cat).

  • Assets: An estate estimated at €200 million.

  • Core Conflict: A legal challenge to Lagerfeld's will, potentially redistributing assets from named beneficiaries to his estranged family.

Lagerfeld's Designated Beneficiaries

The original terms of Karl Lagerfeld's will stipulated that the majority of his estate would be passed to a select group of individuals close to him. These include:

  • Sébastien Jondeau: His long-time assistant.

  • Hudson Kroenig: His godson.

  • Brad Kroenig: A model.

  • Baptiste Giabiconi: A model.

These individuals stand to benefit from Lagerfeld's wealth as outlined in his will. However, if the current legal challenge is successful and the will is annulled, French inheritance law would likely dictate that Lagerfeld's estate be divided among his next of kin.

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The Role of Choupette

Speculation surrounding Lagerfeld's death centered on the fate of his beloved cat, Choupette. It was widely assumed she was included in his will. While pets cannot legally inherit in many jurisdictions, including France, provisions for Choupette's care were reportedly made before Lagerfeld's passing. Her luxurious lifestyle, which included special arrangements for her comfort and even a personal assistant, is understood to be safeguarded. The legal dispute over the monetary estate does not appear to affect the arrangements for the cat's welfare. Legal experts note that estate planning can involve creating trusts or assigning funds to a trusted individual for the pet's lifetime care.

The legal proceedings will be governed by French inheritance law, as Lagerfeld lived and died in France. This legal framework is crucial in determining how the estate is ultimately distributed, especially in cases of contested wills and absent direct heirs.

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  • Contested Will: The current challenge aims to overturn the beneficiaries named by Lagerfeld.

  • French Inheritance Law: If the will is invalidated, the estate could revert to Lagerfeld's legal heirs, his nieces and nephews.

  • Tax Investigations: In addition to the will challenge, tax authorities are examining claims that Lagerfeld's primary residence was in Paris, not Monaco. This could lead to a significant unpaid tax bill, estimated between €20 million and €40 million, adding another layer of complexity to the estate's administration.

Estrangement and Familial Claims

A significant aspect of this legal battle is the reported estrangement between Karl Lagerfeld and his blood relatives. His documented precision and tendency to hold grudges suggest a deliberate choice to exclude them from his will. The potential redistribution of his wealth to these estranged family members presents a stark contrast to his apparent personal sentiments. This history underscores the contentious nature of the current challenge.

Expert Insights on Estate Planning

Legal professionals have commented on the complexities of high-value estate planning, particularly concerning beloved pets and estranged families.

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"In English law a pet does not have a legal personality and is classified as a personal chattel, something I’m sure Mr Lagerfeld would not approve of."— Jessica Medus, solicitor at Mishcon de Reya

"If Karl Lagerfeld came in here and wanted to leave his estate to his cat, we could have structured his will to do it."— William Begley, partner at Charles Russell Speechlys

These statements highlight the differing legal perspectives on pet inheritance and the creative methods available for ensuring an animal's welfare through estate planning, such as establishing trusts or appointing a trusted individual as a custodian of funds.

Conclusion and Future Steps

The legal challenge to Karl Lagerfeld's will introduces a significant uncertainty regarding the distribution of his vast fortune. The outcome will hinge on the specifics of the legal arguments presented and the application of French inheritance law.

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  • Immediate Impact: The case could result in a substantial portion of Lagerfeld's €200 million estate being redirected to his nieces and nephews.

  • Choupette's Welfare: Arrangements for the cat Choupette appear to be insulated from the core dispute over the estate's monetary value.

  • Tax Implications: Ongoing tax investigations add further complexity and potential financial obligations for the estate.

The legal battle is expected to shed light on Lagerfeld's personal relationships and the intricate interplay between individual wishes, familial obligations, and legal statutes in high-stakes estate settlements. Further court proceedings will clarify the definitive beneficiaries of Karl Lagerfeld's legacy.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening with Karl Lagerfeld's money?
Someone is challenging his will in court. This means his money might go to his family, not the people he wanted to give it to.
Q: Who is challenging the will?
It is not clear who the person is. They are challenging the wishes Karl Lagerfeld wrote down.
Q: Will Karl Lagerfeld's cat, Choupette, be okay?
Yes, the plans for Choupette's care are separate from the money fight. She will be looked after.
Q: How much money are we talking about?
Karl Lagerfeld's estate is thought to be worth about 200 million euros.