Heirs to Prince Fortune Whittled Down by Judge Eide

At the end of July in Minnesota, Carver County District Judge Kevin Eide rejected the claims of over 20 people seeking a share of the multi-million dollar estate left by superstar Prince Rogers Nelson, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57 on April 21, 2016.

In her initial probate filing, Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, listed herself and five living half-siblings as known heirs and Lorna Nelson, a deceased half-sister who had no children.

According to Billboard, two “children” claimants lost their bid to share in the estate because they were adopted by other parents, which ended any paternal relationship with Prince if he was indeed their father. Others who claimed to be biological children of the superstar failed to provide enough evidence to establish their claim. The sibling or half-sibling claims of 11 others were thrown out as well.

Judge Eide ruled that besides those listed on Tyka Nelson’s petition, Brianna and Victoria Nelson were the only ones who would be permitted to pursue their heirship claims. They are the daughter and granddaughter, respectively, of the late Duane Nelson, Prince’s purported half-brother.

Duane Nelson was not listed on Tyka Nelson’s petition, but his descendants presented enough evidence to convince the court that the two were entitled to undergo genetic testing to determine their relationship to Prince. The Star Tribune has more details on that situation.