CBS 2 CHICAGO
Helmsley Will: Dog Gets Millions;
2 Grandkids, Zip
CBS 2 Chicago Chicago
August 29, 2007
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 Leona Helmsley left her beloved white Maltese, named Trouble,
a $12 million trust fund,
according to her will. (File)
AP
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Leona Helmsley's dog will continue to live an opulent life, and then be buried alongside her in a mausoleum. But two of Helmsley's grandchildren got nothing from the late luxury hotelier and real estate billionaire's estate.
Helmsley left her beloved white Maltese, named Trouble, a $12 million trust fund, according to her will, which was made public Tuesday in surrogate court.
"That’s the largest amount I’ve ever heard,” said estate planning attorney Peter Canalia. ”That's even larger than Betty White's $5 million that she's leaving to her animal."
Estate planning attorney and peace of mind pet trust website creator, Peter Canalia, the creator of the Peace of Mind Pet Trust Web site, says even though Helmsley's brother will care for Trouble, he will not have access to all of the Maltese’s millions.
"His responsibility as caretaker would be to protect Trouble's interests,” Canalia said.
A trustee will dole out the money as necessary to Helmsley's brother to make sure the pooch maintains her posh lifestyle. There are usually backup trustees and caretakers named too.
Leftover money could go to Helmsley's charitable trust.
Canalia says, there may be some family drama where Trouble is concerned.
"There’s no possible way that a dog, you could use, $12 million over their lifespan, so it could be subject to some type of litigation, 'cause, the amount is excessive,” Canalia said.
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