Shannen Doherty’s ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko could challenge their divorce, as an expert explains the star died on the same day he signed off on ending their marriage.
In an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun, attorney and co-chair of her firm’s matrimonial and family law practice, said that while it appears Kurt, 50, signed off on his rights to Shannen‘s estate in the divorce, he may still be able to become an heir.
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The Beverly Hills, 90210 star died on Saturday, July 13th, after a long battle with breast cancer at 53 years old.
On the day before her death, Shannen was able to finalize her divorce, with Kurt signing off on it on Saturday – the day she passed away.
The judge signed off on the divorce that Monday, however, the timing of Kurt’s signature has led to questions about if the divorce is actually valid.
“What people need to know is, when they sign a divorce agreement, it is absolutely, very final.
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“It’s very hard to undo a divorce agreement once it’s signed.”
“What I thought was interesting is that I had read that he signed it on the same day that she died,” the expert martial attorney said.
“So to me, if I were his attorneys, I would be looking into, did he sign it after she died?”
“Is there a way to open that agreement back up and question, was it valid?”
“Because it was signed, but maybe when one party had already been deceased?”
According to the expert, “If someone dies during the middle of a case, the case can be deemed abated by death.
“That means they just don’t get divorced, it’s just done.
“The case is over, and then it gets dragged over to the probate court,” Morghan concluded.
As The U.S. Sun first exclusively reported, a judgment was filed and signed off by a judge on July 15th and both Shannen and Kurt were “restored to the status of single persons.”
The actress was discussed in past tense throughout the filing.
DIVORCE DETAILS
Attached to the divorce judgment was the couple’s settlement agreement which detailed the particulars of the couple’s split.
In it, Shannen was awarded the couple’s Malibu marital home and all the art, furniture and furnishings within.
The Charmed star was also awarded several automobiles and a Salvador Dali painting.
She was also granted rights to her ex’s photography business, including half of the licensing fees from the sale of photos and videos taken while they were married, which was a focal point for her in their divorce.
SHANNEN’S MAJOR POSTHUMOUS WIN
Shannen also barred her ex from “exploiting” her image after her death.
“Any and all photographs of [Shannen] that are now in [Kurt’s] possession, regardless of when said photographs were created by [Kurt], shall be removed from Respondent’s website forthwith.
Shannen Doherty Cancer Battle
- In 2015, Shannen revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation, a mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
- Two years later, the actress said she was in remission.
- In 2020, Shannen revealed her cancer had returned as stage 4.
- In early 2023, Shannen underwent surgery to have a tumor removed from her head after the cancer had spread to her brain.
- In November 2023, the actress revealed the cancer had spread to her bones.
“[Kurt] shall oversee the removal of said photographs from the websites of any and all of his representatives, including his agents.
“[Kurt] shall be prohibited from exploiting the photographs of [Shannen],” the judgment declared.
She was also granted 100 percent of several accounts, including her SAG pension plan.
They also both discharge each other from any claims for spousal support.
SHANNEN’S ESTATE IN THE DIVORCE
Importantly, Kurt waived his right to try to be appointed personal representative for Shannen’s estate, or to “elect to take community or quasi-community property against the decedent’s will,” which the legal expert Morghan says could be questioned.
They also both waived any inheritance rights and social security benefits.
The star’s publicist told People, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty.
“On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease.”
SHANNEN’S DIAGNOSIS
The actress, who starred in Little House on the Prairie as a child, and was most known for her roles on Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
In 2017 after undergoing chemotherapy, her cancer went into remission, only to return in 2019.
In 2020, Shannen confirmed it was stage four breast cancer.
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