Heath Ledger’s family feuds over his estate

PERTH, Australia - Heath Ledger's family is embroiled in the midst of a battle for control of the late actor's estate, People magazine reports.

The actor's uncles are speaking out against Heath's father, Kim Ledger's, management of Heath's assets, according to the magazine.

Ledger's uncles claim Kim's past estate management has been less than stellar, telling the magazine Kim was removed as the executor of their grandfather's estate 15 years ago.

"It plunged into enormous debt," Mike Ledger, one of Ledger's uncles, told People.

The actor's will, which was drafted before he met Michelle Williams and before the birth of his daughter, Matilda, left his belongings to his parents and siblings.

Mike Ledger said they have raised questions of Kim's handling of the actor's estate out of a concern for Matilda's future.

"Our only vested interest is to assure that Matilda is well looked after," he told People.

And apparently the recent statements from Kim that Matilda "will be taken care of" are not enough of an assurance.

Video   Ang Lee opens up about Ledger March 12: In a very moving and emotional interview, the “Brokeback” director opens up about Heath Ledger’s tragic passing. Access Hollywood

"When you are talking about large sums of money like this, it should be an independent executor, but Kim hasn't chosen that way," Mike Ledger added.

The Australian executor of Ledger's will, Robert John Collins, dismissed the uncle's claims, calling the allegations about Kim "rubbish."

The family riff, which dates back to the initial dispute over the grandfather's estate, was still raging during Heath's memorial. In fact, Mike Ledger claims 17 family member were not invited to attend services for Heath.

"I'm his godfather," Mike told People. "We didn't even have the ability or the opportunity to pay our last respects to Heath. And I tell you, that is terrible — that is so sad."

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