Why did Leona Helmsley leave $12 million to her dog Trouble but exclude two grandchildren? Here's what happened after her death

Leona Helmsley was an American real estate and hotel businesswoman who controlled a large property and hotel empire with her husband, Harry Helmsley. She became widely known as the "Queen of Mean" because of her reputation for treating employees harshly. In 1989, she was convicted of federal tax offences and later served 18 months in prison. Her husband died in 1997. Leona died on August 20, 2007, aged 87. Her estate was reportedly worth several billion dollars.

Why did she leave $12 million to her dog?

Helmsley owned a white Maltese dog named Trouble. She included provisions for trouble in her last will, dated July 15, 2005. She directed that $12 million be placed in the Leona Helmsley July 2005 Trust for the dog's care. The money was intended to cover food, grooming, veterinary treatment, security and other expenses.

Trouble was not legally given direct ownership of the $12 million. The money was held and administered through a trust for the dog's benefit. Helmsley also wanted Trouble's remains to be buried beside her in the Helmsley family mausoleum after the dog's death.


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Why did she exclude two grandchildren?

Helmsley had four grandchildren through her late son, Jay Panzirer. She left substantial inheritances to two grandsons, David and Walter Panzirer. However, she excluded her other two grandchildren, Craig Panzirer and Meegan Panzirer Wesolko.

Her will stated that she had made no provisions for them "for reasons which are known to them." The two grandsons who received inheritances were each initially allocated $5 million, subject to a condition that they visit their father's grave at least once every calendar year. The will required them to sign a register at the family mausoleum to demonstrate that they had visited.

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How did the excluded grandchildren challenge the will?

Craig and Meegan challenged Helmsley's will after her death. They questioned whether she was of sound mind and had the mental capacity to make the will in 2005. They filed their objections in Manhattan Surrogate's Court.

The dispute was eventually settled rather than proceeding through a prolonged court battle. Under the settlement, Craig received $4 million and Meegan received $2 million, a combined $6 million. They agreed to withdraw their objections to the will and accepted confidentiality provisions relating to the dispute.

What did the judge decide?

On April 30, 2008, Manhattan Surrogate's Court Judge Renee Roth approved an agreement reducing Trouble's trust from $12 million to $2 million. The remaining $10 million was redistributed. A combined $6 million went to Craig and Meegan, the two grandchildren excluded from the will. The remaining $4 million went to the Helmsley charitable trust.