Chadwick Boseman’s family has become embroiled in a bitter legal dispute nearly six years after the “Black Panther” star’s death.
The late actor’s brothers, Kevin and Derrick Boseman, are asking a Los Angeles court to remove his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, as administrator of his estate. They accuse her of withholding information, delaying court-ordered distributions, and maintaining exclusive control over valuable assets tied to Chadwick’s finances and legacy.
However, the allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Kevin and Derrick filed legal documents on Friday outlining several reasons they believe Taylor should no longer control their brother’s estate, according to TMZ, which obtained the filing. The brothers allege that Taylor has kept their family in the dark about the estate’s status despite a 2022 court order dividing its assets between her and Chadwick’s parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman.
Under that agreement, Taylor was entitled to 50% of the estate, while Leroy and Carolyn were to share the remaining half. Previous court filings valued the distributable estate at approximately $2.3 million after expenses, although its total inventoried value had reportedly reached more than $3.8 million.
Nearly four years after that arrangement was approved, Kevin and Derrick claim the administration remains unfinished and that their parents still have not received everything to which they are entitled. They allege the unresolved estate includes more than $3 million held across various bank accounts, along with film residuals, royalties, investments, insurance policies, intellectual property rights, personal property, and income connected to Chadwick’s name and image.
Taylor has not publicly responded to the allegations.
The Brothers Want A Full Accounting Within 30 Days
The filing reportedly identifies several tasks the brothers believe remain incomplete. Kevin and Derrick claim Taylor has not transferred a long-term care insurance policy to their mother, properly closed and distributed funds from Chadwick’s bank accounts, or fully accounted for SAG-AFTRA residual payments generated after his death. They also allege that she has failed to collect and distribute unclaimed property belonging to the actor.
Residual payments can continue arriving years after a performer’s death through television broadcasts, streaming, home entertainment, and other uses of past work. In Chadwick’s case, that could involve projects throughout his career, including his appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his acclaimed final performances.
The brothers are asking the court to order Taylor to provide a complete accounting and distribute the remaining estate assets within 30 days. They also want her held in contempt for allegedly failing to comply with the 2022 order.
Under California’s probate process, an estate administrator is responsible for identifying and collecting assets, resolving debts and taxes, maintaining financial records, and distributing the remaining property to the legally recognized beneficiaries. An accounting would document the money received, expenses paid, assets retained, and distributions made during the administration.
Kevin And Derrick Boseman Want A New Administrator Appointed
Kevin and Derrick are not merely asking the court to impose a deadline. They want Taylor permanently removed from her position and attorney Jason Rubin appointed to oversee the remaining work.
California courts can remove a personal representative when legally recognized grounds exist, including mismanagement, failure to perform required duties, or conduct that places an estate’s property at risk. Filing a removal petition does not automatically establish that any misconduct occurred; the brothers will still need to support their allegations before the court decides whether intervention is warranted.
They are also asking the judge to prevent Taylor from signing major contracts involving Chadwick’s estate without the family’s approval and require her to provide copies of existing estate-related agreements.
According to the filing, the alleged delays have left Chadwick’s parents without money and insurance benefits they were awarded. His brothers further claim the family has been unable to pursue certain business opportunities involving his legacy while Taylor continues to profit from his name and likeness.
Kevin and Derrick say they made numerous attempts to resolve the matter directly before turning to the court. They now want Taylor ordered to cover the family’s attorney’s fees and other legal expenses.
Chadwick Boseman Died Without Leaving A Will
The ongoing conflict is rooted partly in the fact that Chadwick died intestate, meaning he did not leave a legally enforceable will directing how his probate assets should be handled.
Taylor petitioned to become administrator shortly after his death and was appointed as the estate’s personal representative with limited authority in November 2020. At the time, the estate was initially estimated to contain approximately $938,500 in assets. Later filings revealed additional funds, including residual payments, that substantially increased its reported value.
Because Chadwick had no children and left no will, California succession laws determined who could inherit the probate property. However, not everything associated with a deceased celebrity necessarily falls into a single probate estate. Insurance proceeds with named beneficiaries, jointly owned accounts, trusts, corporate assets, and certain contractual rights can be governed separately.
That distinction may become important as the court examines the brothers’ claims regarding insurance, intellectual property, royalties, and contracts connected to Chadwick’s image.
The dispute also highlights why the administration of a celebrity estate can continue long after an initial distribution order. Unlike a single bank balance, residuals and licensing income may keep arriving, while the commercial use of a performer’s name and likeness can create continuing financial and approval questions.
The Legal Battle Follows A Public Display Of Family Unity
The court fight presents a stark contrast to the united image Chadwick’s loved ones displayed only months ago. In November 2025, Taylor, Kevin, and Derrick attended the actor’s posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. Taylor accepted the honor on her husband’s behalf, while his brothers joined fellow stars and collaborators in celebrating his legacy.
Chadwick died on August 28, 2020, at age 43 after privately battling colon cancer for four years. He continued filming projects such as “Black Panther,” “Da 5 Bloods,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” while undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said while announcing his death, per BBC. “It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in ‘Black Panther.’”
Now, the court must determine whether Taylor has failed to complete her legal responsibilities or whether she can adequately account for the estate’s remaining assets. Until the judge rules, Kevin and Derrick’s claims remain allegations, and Taylor continues to serve as administrator.
