The late jazz singer shockingly left no will despite the fact that she has a special needs son who needs financial and other forms of support for his entire life.

AceShowbiz - Aretha Franklin shockingly left no will or trust at the time of death. The late Queen of Soul died intestate which means she had no will at the time of death, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.

This is surprising given the fact that she has a special needs son named Clarence, who needs financial and other forms of support for his entire life. Clarence was born on January 28, 1955 when Aretha was still 12 years old. He was named after the singer's father Clarence LaVaughn "C. L." Franklin.

According to Michigan law, Aretha's four kids will share equally in her estate. In accordance to the law, her four sons filed a document on Tuesday afternoon, August 21, listing themselves as interested parties in her estate. Meanwhile, Aretha's niece Sabrina Owens asked the court to appoint her as personal representative of the estate.

Aretha's attorney Don Wilson, who represented her in entertainment matters for the past 28 years, said, "I was after her for a number of years to do a trust. It would have expedited things and kept them out of probate, and kept things private."

Don said, as Aretha's attorney in copyright matters, song publishing and record deals, he would have been consulted about her holdings for any estate planning purposes. He hopes that Aretha's decision not to create a will doesn't prompt a court battle over her assets by creditors or extended family members.

"I just hope (Franklin's estate) doesn't end up getting so hotly contested," Don added. "Any time they don't leave a trust or will, there always ends up being a fight." On why Aretha failed to prepare a will, he explained, "Nobody likes to give careful thought to their own demise."

Aretha died Thursday, August 16 after battling pancreatic cancer for years. An open-casket memorial is planned at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit on August 28-29 and at New Bethel Baptist Church on August 30. A private funeral was arranged for August 31.

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