Hayden Panettiere's daughter Kaya granted temporary guardianship of actress's estate
Wladimir Klitschko was awarded temporary guardianship of his daughter Kaya's estate by a Los Angeles court, which was established after Panettiere's death from drug toxicity.
Kaya Klitschko, the 11-year-old daughter of the late actress Hayden Panettiere and boxer Wladimir Klitschko, has had her father appointed temporary guardian of her estate. The Los Angeles County court made the ruling Thursday during a remote hearing where both father and daughter appeared via videoconference.
Panettiere died on August 16 at the age of 36 from what was determined to be accidental fentanyl intoxication, along with other drug toxicity, at her South Carolina residence. She is survived by Kaya, her only child from her relationship with Klitschko.
Klitschko had filed a petition last month to secure temporary guardianship of Kaya's estate. In his filing, he stated concerns that Panettiere's assets were being mishandled following her death. He claimed that federal law enforcement agents investigating her death, as well as an unnamed non-family member, were taking possession of pieces of her property, with no one in a position to recover them for Kaya, who is the sole beneficiary of Panettiere's estimated $6 million estate.
During the hearing, Klitschko's attorney, Diane Park, explained the urgency of the situation, noting that a non-relative had allegedly taken items, including jewelry, and attempted to sell them to a pawn shop. Park also stated that assets were at risk of being lost or unaccounted for during the ongoing death investigation. Court documents indicated a need for authority to interact with both the pawn shop owner and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Panettiere's tax returns were due this month, and Park noted the potential for significant interest and penalties if they were not filed promptly, which would financially harm Kaya.
Judge Stephanie Santoro approved Klitschko's request for temporary guardianship of the estate until a permanent administrator can be appointed. The next hearing is scheduled for December 7, and Kaya will not be required to attend.
Klitschko stated in court documents that he intends to use his own funds to cover the taxes owed and seek reimbursement later through the probate estate, pending court approval. He also expressed concern that if Panettiere's tax returns were not filed by the October 15 extension deadline, the estate would incur