SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - An attorney for the parents of Gary Coleman says they no longer will seek formal probate for their son, because a will and trust documents have been provided by another attorney.
Kent Alderman with the Salt Lake Law Firm of Parsons, Behle and Latimer tells ABC 4 the will comes from a former manager and close friend of Gary Coleman. Alderman said that same friend is also named as the executor of the will, but would not confirm other reports that say the friend is the sole beneficiary.
Alderman said the will was signed in 1999. That was before Coleman came to Utah, met, married and then divorced Shannon Price. Therefore, Alderman said she is not mentioned in the will.
Alderman would not release details of the will until after it is filed with the court. But he said it gives the executor power to determine Coleman's final resting place. "The will directs the executor as to how Gary wants his body disposed of and the executor has a duty to carry out those instructions."
Sheila Erickson, a spokeswoman for Price told ABC 4 that it was Coleman's wish to be cremated. She also contends that Coleman wished to leave his estate to Price.
At this point Erickson said they are hoping with work with the executor to resolve matters relating to the estate.
As for Coleman's parents, their attorney Rick Jackman wrote:
"The Colemans will not be filing for Formal Probate. From the start, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman's intention has been to see that Gary's wishes be honored and that his affairs be taken care of properly. They wanted to do things the right way, and they urge those still involved to do the same. The Colemans ask that everyone please treat Gary with respect and kindness. They fell it is time for him to find peace and let his spirit go."
Under the direction of Price, Gary Coleman was removed from life support and died last Friday at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. Earlier that week he had apparently fallen and suffered a brain hemorrhage.
Stay tuned to ABC 4 News and ABC4.com for more on this story.
