The estate of the late Leonard Cohen, the revered Canadian singer-songwriter, has recently become the center of a legal dispute involving his heirs and former legal representatives. Cohen passed away in 2016, leaving behind a substantial estate estimated at $50 million. Before his death, Cohen had experienced financial setbacks, notably due to embezzlement by his former manager, Kelley Lynch.

Cohen’s children, Adam and Lorca Cohen, initiated a lawsuit in Los Angeles last month, alleging that attorney Reeve Chudd engaged in forgery to appoint Robert Kory as the Trustee of Cohen’s estate, contrary to Cohen’s intentions. They further claim that Kory mismanaged the estate’s assets for personal gain.​

In 2010, Cohen appointed his lawyer, Robert Kory, as the sole Trustee of his estate. However, due to concerns regarding the management of his assets, he reinstated his children as Trustees shortly before his death. Despite this, Kory assumed the role of Trustee after his passing.​

The lawsuit filed by Adam and Lorca Cohen alleges that attorney Reeve Chudd, then a partner at the Beverly Hills law firm Ervin Cohen & Jessup (ECJ), altered Leonard’s Trust documents by replacing a page to designate Kory as the Trustee. 

This action purportedly facilitated Kory’s control over the estate, enabling him to deplete its assets through questionable financial decisions and mismanagement. The heirs contend that Kory, during his tenure as Trustee from 2018 to June 2023, allocated millions of dollars to himself, his affiliates, and his family, diminishing the estate’s value.​

In a deposition, Chudd admitted to modifying the Trust document after Cohen’s death by substituting a page to name Kory as the Trustee. This admission forms a critical component of the heirs’ claims of forgery and cover-up against the legal representatives involved.​

It remains to be seen what will develop in this lawsuit, but it is a good reminder to regularly review your estate documents, hire reputable legal counsel, and communicate with your beneficiaries.  

Protecting your legacy starts with thoughtful, proactive planning. Whether you’re creating a new estate plan or reviewing an existing one, it’s essential to have trusted guidance every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your wishes and providing peace of mind for your loved ones, contact us today!