Birkhead Granted Guardianship After Probate Hearing

Months after a Bahamas court declared Larry Birkhead the biological father of Anna Nicole’s only daughter, a US court has granted him guardianship of the little girl for probate hearings over Smith’s will.

Smith’s will was admitted to probate this morning by an LA Superior Court judge. Smith’s longtime companion Howard K. Stern was named the will’s executor.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Smith’s will provided for just one child, her late son Daniel. Smith’s will was written before Daniel’s death and before she became pregnant and gave birth to daughter Dannielynn.

Bruce Ross, attorney forStern filed papers this morning claiming there was no intention by Smith to disinherit unborn children despite wording in the original will wording. It is believed Ross filed papers to address Article One of Smith’s last will and testament, which stated “Except as otherwise provided in this Will, I have intentionally omitted to provide for my spouse and other heirs, including future spouses and children and other descendants now living and those hereafter born or adopted, as well as existing and future stepchildren and foster children.”

This could be the first step in a long chain which could eventually lead to Dannielynn Hope Marshall Birkhead inheriting millions of dollars in the estate of the late J. Howard Marshall.

Birkhead and Howard K. Stern both appeared in the courthouse this morning.

Smith’s mother Virgie Arthur will receive a copy of the court determination.

Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

Anna Nicole Smith's Daughter Honors Late Mother