Jimmy Buffett’s Estate Caught In Legal Storm Months After His Death

A bitter legal battle is unfolding behind the scenes of the "Margaritaville" empire.

Jane Buffett, the widow of legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, has filed bombshell legal documents claiming she’s being shut out of her late husband’s $275 million estate, and she’s pointing fingers at the man meant to help manage it.

According to court filings obtained by PEOPLE, Jane alleges that co-trustee Richard Mozenter and estate attorney Jeffrey Smith have been “openly hostile” and evasive toward her while refusing to provide basic information about the trust's assets and finances.

Jane’s legal team claims Mozenter has failed to fulfill even the most fundamental responsibilities as co-trustee, leaving the grieving widow “in the dark” about her own finances. “Mr. Mozenter has belittled, disrespected, and condescended to Mrs. Buffett,” the documents state, “in response to her reasonable requests for information she is undoubtedly entitled to receive.”

The Buffett Trust was initially created in 1990 to ensure Jane’s financial stability in the event of Jimmy’s death. Updates were made in 2017 and again in 2023. The couple’s three children reportedly each hold shares valued at around $2 million.

But the once-clear roadmap has turned into a legal minefield.

Jane claims Mozenter offered only vague answers for months following Jimmy’s death, avoiding transparency until earlier this year, when she says she was stunned by “shocking” figures showing the Marital Trust earning less than $2 million in net income.

“Rather than help his recently widowed client understand her finances, Mr. Mozenter spent the next 16 months stonewalling and making excuses for why he could not yet provide the requested information,” the filing stated. “If the Marital Trust truly earns such a low return consistent with the financials Mr. Mozenter presented, it will confirm that Mr. Mozenter is either not competent to administer the Trust or unwilling to act in Mrs. Buffett’s best interests."

With the estate valued at approximately $275 million, Jane called the reported return “remarkably poor,” adding that Mozenter even suggested she cut her budget and consider selling property.

“Jimmy would never have wanted Jane to be treated like this,” a source close to the family told PEOPLE. “He trusted her with major decisions throughout his life. They were extremely close. When you’re married for over 40 years, there’s a lot that couples go through, but there was always a strong bond and trust in her and there’s just no way that this is what he would have wanted to happen."

The friend continued, "These have been very reasonable demands [Jane made of Mozenter]. There was a lot of patience asking for his feedback, and to still not get anything has been very upsetting. The idea that this is how someone responds to pretty basic requests is sort of inexplicable.”

Jane’s court filing accuses Mozenter of either being “not competent to administer the Trust” or “unwilling to act in Mrs. Buffett’s best interests.”

“Even if Mr. Mozenter believes he has been unfairly criticized for his failure to discharge his duties as co-trustee (he has not), he concedes that he cannot ‘have one productive conversation with [Mrs. Buffett] about any topics," the filing states. "But Mr. Mozenter nonetheless insists he remain in a position of authority over Mrs. Buffett’s wealth. That makes no sense.”

The beloved singer-songwriter and entrepreneur passed away peacefully on the night of September 1, 2023, at the age of 76.

Known for turning laid-back island vibes into a global brand, Buffett became a cultural force with his signature hit “Margaritaville,” which evolved into an entire lifestyle embraced by millions of fans, affectionately known as Parrotheads.

Buffett’s death was confirmed in a heartfelt statement shared on his social media and website, accompanied by a serene photo of the star on a boat. “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the message read. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

Now, the Buffett legacy is caught in a storm of legal drama, and for Jane, the search for answers is just beginning. A court hearing is set for August 14.