David Cassidy. Photo courtesy of ET Online.
Summary: David Cassidy’s family is objecting to paying his legal bills.
David Cassidy died with over $100,000 in unpaid legal fees, but his family is refusing to pay. According to Radar Online, the Cassidy estate filed papers on December 22, objecting to a claim from law firm, Rodier & Rodier.
Florida-based Rodier & Rodier said Cassidy owed $102,834 at the time of his death. The child star-turned-singer also allegedly owed $19,006.02 to another attorney, Damaso Saavedra.
Cassidy starred in The Partridge Family in the 1970s and became a teen heartthrob. When the show ended, he went on to have a career in entertainment, including starring in a hit Vegas show EFX and appearing on the Celebrity Apprentice.
Despite his successes, the singer and actor had money problems, and he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2015, according to Radar. However, that bankruptcy did not clear his debts from Rodier & Rodier, who sued him for unpaid legal fees in 2013.
Cassidy died at the age of 67 in November of this year of liver disease. He cut out his daughter, actress Katie Cassidy, from the will, and he left his estate to his son, Beau. The estate was worth a modest $150,000.
“All references in this Trust to my ‘child or children’ are to Beau Devin Cassidy and such references shall not include Katherine Evelyn Cassidy not any descendant of Katherine Evelyn Cassidy,” the will read. “It is my specific intent not to provide any benefits hereunder to Katherine Evelyn Cassidy and/or any descendant of Katherine Evelyn Cassidy.”
According to People Magazine, the Cassidy family filed a document that said Rodier & Rodier, as well as Saavedra, had 30 days to file a claim against the estate. If they do not by the deadline, then they forfeit the right to ask for payment in the future.
Before Cassidy’s death, he spoke with People Magazine in February 2016. He said that he did not have financial issues and that he was suffering from dementia. In 2008, he admitted that he had a problem with alcohol and substance abuse.
When Cassidy passed in November, his family released a statement, published by People.
“On behalf of the entire Cassidy family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, our uncle, and our dear brother, David Cassidy,” the statement said. “David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years.”
Cassidy was survived by his ex-wife Sue Shifrin-Cassidy, daughter Katie, son Beau, three brothers, and a stepmother.
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