Inside dispute over Robin Williams’ will – ‘greedy’ widow to ‘invasive’ children

Robin Williams had the power to light up any room with his amazing personalty and razor sharp wit but the comedian had secretly been harbouring his own demons.

On August 11, 2014, Robin was found dead in his home in Paradise City, California.

An autopsy later revealed the Hollywood icon had died by suicide at the age of 63, with further findings suggesting he had secretly suffered from Lewy body dementia and an incurable brain disease.

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Prior to his tragic death, the actor had taken great care with his will in hope that his family wouldn't fight over his $100million (£83m) estate fortune.

In spite of his efforts, things did turn sour between his widow and his three children from his two former marriages.

Daily Star explores the complexities surrounding the court battle over Robin's will.

Who were Robin Williams' wife and children?

The Jumanji star had been married three times throughout his lifetime, with the actor first getting hitched to Valeria Velardi in 178.

The couple were first acquainted when Williams had been a bartender in San Francisco, with the pair welcoming their son Zachary Pym in 1983.

When Zachary was just five-years-old the pair parted ways after it was claimed Robin had committed adultery with their nanny Marsha Garces.

Marsha, who was six months pregnant with Robin's child at the time, tied the knot with the star in 1989.

The happy couple had two children together Zelda Rae, born in 1989, and Alan, born in 1991.

But after 19 years of marriage, Marsha and Robin divorced – citing irreconcilable differences.

Prior to his death, Robin married graphic designer Susan Schneider in 2011 – the pair did not share any children together.

The legal dispute

The Mork & Mindy star had an iron-tight will in place which outlined his $100m (£83m) estate would be handed to his children Zachary, Zelda and Cody Williams.

However this was conditional that Susan could continue to live in the home that he shared with her – with his brood to later inherit the house as well.

His children believed that Susan had been "seeking to increase her share of the trust assets at the expense of the Williams children".

Susan denied claims arguing that she was merely attempting to hold onto personal items from her life with Robin.

"Greedy" window claims

In February 2015, The New York Times saw court documents which highlighted Robin's children's characterisation of Susan.

In them, Robin's widow was accused of attempting to increase the value of the trust Williams had left behind relaying to the courts she had shown "greed" after only being married to him for "less than three years".

Susan hit back saying her home had been "invaded by Robin's offspring who had attempted to take personal items without her permission".

The items in question included: the tuxedo he was married in, jewellery, photos that were taken before his third marriage, awards including two Emmys, five Grammys, six Golden Globes, and the 1997 Academy Award for Best Supporting actor, for his role in Good Will Hunting.

The settlement

In 2015, Robin's three children and his widow reached an agreement in court – with official terms being kept under wraps.

While many terms had not been disclosed Susan's lawyer James Wagstaff confirmed to the Associated Press that she would remain in the house with living expenses for the rest of her life.

It was also reported that Susan was allowed to keep items including a watch, bicycle and wedding gifts.

After the court hearing, Susan released a statement in People magazine: "While it's hard to speak of this as a win, given it stems from the greatest loss of all, I am deeply grateful to the judge for helping resolve these issues. I can live in peace knowing that my husband's wishes were honoured."

Zachary, Zelda, and Cody also released a statement through their own attorney, which read: "The children are relieved to have this behind them."

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