Jury rules handwritten document found in Aretha Franklin’s couch is valid will

A handwritten document by Aretha Franklin found in her sofa after her 2018 death is a valid Michiganwill, a jury ruled on Tuesday.

It is a critical turn in a dispute over the late star’s wishes that has turned three of her four sons against each other.

It is a victory for Franklin’s second oldest and youngest children – Edward and Kecalf – whose lawyers had argued that papers dated 2014 should override a 2010 will.

The jury deliberated less than an hour after a brief trial that started Monday.

After the verdict was read, Aretha Franklin’s grandchildren stepped forward from the first row to hug Kecalf and Edward.

“I’m very, very happy. I just wanted my mother’s wishes to be adhered to," Kecalf Franklin said. “We just want to exhale right now. It’s been a long five years for my family, my children."

Kecalf Franklin, 53, the youngest son of Aretha Franklin, points to enlarged documents at the direction of attorney Charles McKelvie during the first day of a jury trial over Aretha Franklin's wills (AP)

Aretha Franklin was a global star for decades, known for hits like I Say a Little Prayer and Respect. She did not leave behind a formal will when she died aged 76.

In closing arguments, lawyers for Kecalf and Edward Franklin said the fact that the 2014 papers were found in a notebook in couch cushions did not make them less significant.

“You can take your will and leave it on the kitchen counter. It’s still your will,” lawyer Charles McKelvie told the jury.

Kecalf and Edward had been in dispute with brother Ted White II, who favoured the 2010 will, which was found in a locked cabinet at the star’s home in Detroit.

A handwritten document found in Aretha Franklin’s sofa cushion is a valid will determining the late Queen of Soul’s wishes (AFP via Getty Images)

White’s attorney, Kurt Olson said it was much more important than papers found in a sofa.

“We were here to see what the jury would rule. We’ll live with it," Mr Olson said after the verdict.

The jury found that the 2014 version was signed by Aretha Franklin. There still will be discussions over whether some provisions of the 2010 will should be fulfilled.

Under the 2014 will, Kecalf Franklin and grandchildren would get his mother’s main home in Bloomfield Hills, which was valued at $1.1 million when she died.

The older will said Kecalf, 53, and Edward Franklin, 64, “must take business classes and get a certificate or a degree" to benefit from the estate. That provision is not in the 2014 version.

Aretha Franklin’s other son, Clarence Franklin, lives under guardianship in an assisted living centre and did not participate in the trial.