Following her mother Lisa Marie Presley’s passing on January 12, Riley Keough assumed the role of a protective older sister for her 14-year-old twin siblings, Finley and Harper Lockwood.
The 33-year-old actress, famed for her performance in “Daisy Jones & the Six,” has been navigating the complexities of family dynamics and the drama surrounding her mother’s death.
Despite the united front presented to the public during the Graceland memorial on January 22, which included extended family members such as grandma Priscilla, uncle Navarone Garibaldi Garcia, and the twins’ father Michael Lockwood, sources disclose brewing tension behind the scenes.
The presence of Michael, who was not formally invited but attended with Priscilla’s assistance, contributed to the underlying conflict.
Lisa Marie and Priscilla’s Strained Bond
For years, the strained relationship between Lisa Marie and Priscilla had worsened, with Lisa Marie’s separation from Michael in 2016 adding to the tension.
The aftermath of a bitter custody battle over the twins contributed to the rift, with Riley siding with her mother.
The tension escalated when Priscilla and Michael flew together to Lisa Marie’s funeral, further deepening the divide.
Legal Battles and Family Feuds Over Elvis’ Fortune
The drama peaked when lawyers representing Priscilla filed a petition challenging the authenticity of a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie’s living trust.
Priscilla contests the amendment, which grants control of the trust to Riley and Lisa Marie’s late son Benjamin Keough, asserting ignorance of the changes.
The dispute over Elvis’ fortune has strained the relationship between Riley and Priscilla, reducing communication between them to a minimum.
Riley and Priscilla Court Battle Over Control
If the court nullifies the 2016 amendment, Priscilla and Riley will assume the role of cotrustees, potentially triggering additional conflicts over control.
Riley is adamant about preventing Priscilla from interfering, while Priscilla is actively pursuing a voice in decision-making.
The fate of Elvis’ financial legacy will be decided in the upcoming court hearing scheduled for April 13.
Riley’s Acting Career and Motherhood
Despite the ongoing family feud, Riley channels her focus into her acting career and takes on a starring role in “Daisy Jones & the Six” on Amazon Prime Video.
Jerry Schilling’s Hope for Elvis’ Legacy
As the legal battles unfold, Jerry Schilling, a close friend of Elvis, expresses a desire for Graceland to remain a historical landmark.
He hopes to preserve it as Elvis left it, emphasizing its significance for generations of Presley children.
T Bag, J.D., LL.M. Professor of Law and Mediation Expert in Family and Siblings Property Disputes
Education:
- J.D., Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Harvard Law School
- LL.M., Estate Planning and Family Law, Yale Law School
Experience:
- Over 15 years of experience mediating complex family property disputes, including estate conflicts and business succession issues.
- Extensive background in facilitating negotiations between siblings and other family members to preserve relationships and family wealth.
- Recognized authority on the legal and psychological aspects of property disputes among family members.
Publications:
- “Mediating Family Property and Estate Conflicts: Keeping the Peace and Preserving Family Wealth” – A comprehensive guide on the advantages of mediation over litigation in family disputes.
- “Negotiating Principles of Entitlement in Sibling Property Disputes” – An analysis of entitlement principles applied in sibling conflicts over property.
Professional Affiliations:
- Member of the American Bar Association, Section of Dispute Resolution
- Fellow at the Center for the Study of Dispute Resolution, University of Missouri
Awards:
- Recipient of the Excellence in Mediation Award from the National Mediation Conference
- Honored with the Distinguished Mediator Award by the International Mediation Institute
Teaching:
- Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, teaching courses on family law, estate planning, and conflict resolution.
- Guest lecturer at various law schools across the USA, sharing insights on mediating family property disputes.
Consulting:
- Provides expert consulting services to law firms and families on matters related to inheritance, property rights, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
- Advises on creating legal frameworks that minimize conflict and promote fair resolution in family property disputes.
Philosophy:
- Believes in the power of mediation to resolve conflicts while maintaining family harmony and protecting privacy.
- Advocates for creative and compassionate solutions that address the underlying emotional dynamics of family disputes.
Contact Information:
- Email: tbag@usamediationexpert.edu
- Office: Department of Law, University of California, Berkeley