A major legal dispute over the multi-million pound estate of Virginia Giuffre, the woman who famously accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, has now officially begun in Western Australia's Supreme Court.
The Contested Estate and Key Players
Lawyers representing Giuffre's two adult sons, Christian, 19, and Noah, 18, appeared in court on Friday. They are seeking to be appointed administrators of their mother's substantial estate, which includes property in Western Australia and potential future revenue from her posthumously released memoir, Nobody's Girl.
Their application is being formally opposed by two other parties: Cheryl Myers, Giuffre's former housekeeper and caregiver, and Karrie Louden, her ex-lawyer based in Perth. Both women are arguing that they should be made the administrators of the estate instead.
Ms Giuffre, who received a reported £12 million settlement from her 2022 lawsuit with Prince Andrew, died by suicide in April at the age of 41. She did not leave a formal, legally-binding will.
Complex Family and Legal Background
The court hearing also grappled with whether other family members should be included in the proceedings. Registrar Danielle Davies stated that it appeared Giuffre's estranged husband, Robert Giuffre, should be joined or at least notified of the case.
This is despite an informal will, sent by Giuffre to her lawyer in late February, which explicitly stated that Robert should "not receive a dime". She had separated from him and their children earlier this year and was involved in divorce proceedings at the time of her death, alleging he had been abusive during their marriage.
Her spousal disinheritance request conflicts with Western Australia's inheritance laws, under which Robert would typically be entitled to a lump sum and a third of the remaining estate.
The court also considered the position of Giuffre's daughter, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Interim Management
To manage the estate during the legal fight, the court has appointed a temporary administrator, Ian Torrington Blatchford. He was appointed on an interim basis earlier this week and is being paid $400 per hour. His role ensures that all of Giuffre's active legal cases can continue after her death.
These ongoing cases include a defamation lawsuit against Alan Dershowitz, Jeffrey Epstein's former lawyer; a claim filed against her by Epstein victim Rina Oh; and a civil suit Giuffre filed against Ghislaine Maxwell.
Registrar Davies has ordered the involved parties to lodge further legal documents by 5pm on Monday and indicated that another court hearing would be scheduled for next year.
