Anna Nicole's Daughter Loses Marshall Inheritance

Sheila Chase
Dannielynn Birkhead may have some money to use when she grows up because her mother, Anna Nicole Smith, seemed successful to some measure. However, Anna Nicole banked on getting what she believed was her rightful portion of her late husband's, oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall's estate. According to usatoday.com, the court determined that Anna Nicole's estate would not get "one cent," meaning that the estate lost its previously-awarded $88 million. So, does this mean another appeal, or is this even an option? If not, what does this mean for Larry Birkhead, father of Dannielynn, and ultimately Dannielynn Birkhead?

Anna did have some money when she died, and her worth would be enough to carry the average person a long way in regards to living expenses. However, this is not likely the case for someone who exercises an extravagant lifestyle. According to a May 2007 article on people.com, Anna Nicole's total assets were worth $710,000 at time of death. So, what did this asset total include? Her house? Her vehicle? One can only imagine, but likely assets included cash, too, so Anna really didn't have a lot to fall back on, did she? At least she didn't have a lot to fall back on to support her extravagant lifestyle. So, this means that Dannielynn may have to exercise a more modest living style.

Wait, though. Is Dannielynn's inheritance tucked away for when she reaches an adult age, or is Larry Birkhead utilizing her inheritance as a means of living their current lifestyle? Anna made some money from her reality show and Trimspa. Does the estate get any residuals from either of these? Who gets the money for the interviews that Dannielynn takes part in? Does Dannielynn get any type of income, right now? If so, where is it going? Savings or living expenses? Will the legal expenses for the latest inheritance battle come from Dannielynn's money? In short, will Dannielynn be broke by the time she reaches adulthood?

Anna Nicole has been gone for some time now, and Dannielynn has been in the news only sporadically. When the greater public does get to see Dannielynn in the news, she seems healthy, happy, and normal. Daddy Larry Birkhead seems to beam with pride as he helps his daughter take part in fun, child activities, but this is all America really sees/hears. What's going on with her financial affairs? While finances is not something that a child should be concerned with, someone does need to have Dannielynn's best financial interest at heart, and the greater public would like to know if Larry Birkhead and/or Howard K. Stern is doing this.

Resources

people.com, May 14, 2007, "Anna Nicole's Will is Filed"

usatoday.com, March 19, 2010, "Anna Nicole Smith estate denied $300 million"

Published by Sheila Chase

Sheila Chase loves teaching, researching, reading about celebrities, and spending time with her daughter.  View profile

2 Comments

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  • Rhonda Buffington3/23/2010

    As she gets older, she will probably make her own money just because of who she is. Hopefully Larry Birkhead will let her lead a "normal" life of growing up without all the thrills and pills. A normal birthday party with "normal" kid gifts, not a $500 dress, etc.

  • nomillions3/21/2010

    Dannielynn doesn't deserve Howard Marshall's money, she isn't $300 mil. baby. The truth and justice prevailed, Marshalls won. Larry Birkhead should find a REAL job and support his child. All parents in the world work and support their children. Birkhead should stop exploiting motherless child in tabloids, TMZ, E! ... It's very sad that a girl aged 3 financially supports healthy father aged 37. It's morally wrong and shameful.

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