Peter Sellers last wishes disregarded - 06/11/2009

The release of documents relating to Peter Sellers' signed divorce settlement demonstrates how vitally important it is to act promptly and also to keep all legal matters up-to-date with your current situation.

On the collapse of her marriage to Peter Sellers Lynne Frederick, the fourth wife of the brilliant but troubled comic genius, was prepared to accept a one-off payment of £375,000 and a property in Los Angeles, presumably recognising that she was fortunate to receive such a sum following a turbulent three year childless marriage. The settlement document was signed by both parties but the decree absolute had not been granted before he died thereby nullifying the settlement document.

It would appear that the marriage had not got off to a good start as the besotted Sellers, 30 years older than Ms Frederick, had apparently been coerced by his manipulative young wife into severing ties with his children. It is widely believed by his remaining friends and family that the price to keep Ms. Frederick by his side when she threatened to leave him was to leave his fortune to her in his will.

The short marriage broke down relatively quickly and the couple separated. When the ill-fated marriage finally ground to a halt and the divorce negotiations were going forward Sellers had a new will drafted cutting Ms. Frederick out of his will completely. He was due to sign the will the day he collapsed and died. His untimely death placed Ms Frederick in the position of inheriting widow. She claimed his £4.5 million estate together with his worldwide properties and the royalties to his films. His children, however, inherited a mere £750 each. Lynne Frederick denied any knowledge of a clean break settlement adopting the role of the grieving widow. Both Spike Milligan and Anne Sellers, Peter Sellers first wife, appealed to Ms. Frederick to share the inheritance with the children but she refused saying Peter had intended her to inherit, something that the terms of the divorce settlement document proves to be highly unlikely.

Peter Sellers' children were unable to challenge the will as they had not been left out. Following Ms. Frederick's own early death due to alcoholism her daughter, who never met the man who created the wealth, inherited the entire fortune.

This is a sobering example of how important it is, should your circumstances change, to act swiftly to address any legal issues as a matter of priority particularly in the area of inheritance. It is highly recommended to review your will with your lawyer every couple of years to make any adjustments that may be necessary, for example children who were minors when the will was drafted may no longer be so or there may be beneficiaries who have pre-deceased you. It may very well be that Peter Sellers' children were ill-advised or unable to bear the cost of a lengthy legal challenge, nonetheless for whatever reason it seems that a just settlement eluded them.

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