Bobbi Kristina Brown’s Finances

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the only child of singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, inherited a substantial fortune upon her mother’s tragic death in 2012. This inheritance became a focal point of public interest and legal battles following Bobbi Kristina’s own untimely death in 2015.

Whitney Houston’s will stipulated that Bobbi Kristina would receive her entire estate, estimated at around $20 million. The distribution was staggered: 10% at age 21, additional portions at ages 25 and 30. At the time of Houston’s death, Bobbi Kristina was just 18 years old, making the handling of this significant inheritance crucial.

The estate was placed under the control of trustees, including Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, and her sister-in-law, Pat Houston. Their responsibility was to manage the funds responsibly, ensuring Bobbi Kristina’s well-being and financial security. They covered her living expenses, medical care, and other necessities from the estate.

However, Bobbi Kristina’s life after her mother’s death was tumultuous. She faced personal struggles and controversies that raised concerns about the handling of her inheritance. There were reports of lavish spending and worries about her association with Nick Gordon, whom she referred to as her husband, although their marital status was legally ambiguous.

When Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive in her bathtub in January 2015 and subsequently placed in a medically induced coma, the management of her finances became even more critical. Her medical care was significantly expensive, and the trustees continued to oversee her expenses.

Following Bobbi Kristina’s death in July 2015, her will dictated the distribution of the remaining inheritance. Because she died intestate (without a will), the beneficiaries were determined by Georgia law. Her grandmother, Cissy Houston, inherited a significant portion. Other family members, including her father Bobby Brown, also received parts of the estate.

Notably, Nick Gordon was effectively excluded from inheriting any part of the estate. A civil lawsuit filed by Bobbi Kristina’s conservator alleged that Gordon had physically abused her and misappropriated her funds. In 2016, a judge ruled in favor of the conservator, awarding Bobbi Kristina’s estate $36 million in damages against Gordon, although collecting that amount proved to be virtually impossible.

Bobbi Kristina’s inheritance highlights the complexities of managing large sums of money for young individuals facing personal challenges. The role of the trustees was to protect her interests, but the circumstances surrounding her life and death led to further legal battles and public scrutiny of her financial affairs.