Jimmy Buffett’s Widow Fights for $275M Trust in Florida Showdown

The late Jimmy Buffett’s $275 million fortune has sparked a heated cross-country legal battle, and it’s getting messier by the day. The iconic singer’s widow, Jane Buffett, has filed a counterclaim demanding the removal of Buffett’s financial advisor, Richard Mozenter, as co-trustee of their marital trust. The filing, dated July 21, accuses Mozenter of failing to act in Jane’s best interests by withholding crucial information about the trust’s assets and investments while charging unreasonable fees.

Jane’s legal team isn’t holding back, alleging that Mozenter began stonewalling her just a month after Buffett’s passing in 2023. They claim he provided dismal projections—estimating the trust would generate less than $2 million annually, a return of under 1%—and even suggested Jane sell her own real estate to cover expenses. Talk about adding insult to injury.

On the flip side, Mozenter’s own lawsuit, filed in June, paints a different picture. He argues Buffett appointed him as co-trustee out of concern for Jane’s ability to manage the massive estate. He’s gone as far as asking a Florida court to remove Jane from her role as co-trustee. This tug-of-war over Buffett’s legacy isn’t just about money—it’s personal.

Jane’s attorney, Matt Porpora, emphasized that she’s not playing games by dragging this fight across state lines. Instead, she’s bringing the battle to Florida, where she and Jimmy called home, to conserve trust assets rather than drain them in endless litigation. It’s a strategic move, and Jane seems confident she’ll come out on top, no matter the venue.

Buffett, who became a billionaire in 2023 before his death, built an empire not just on chart-topping hits like ‘Margaritaville’ and ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’, but also through his wildly successful Margaritaville brand—think resorts, restaurants, and cruises. His 28% stake in Margarita Holdings LLC alone was valued at $180 million. This isn’t just a family feud; it’s a showdown over a cultural and financial legacy.

As this drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the laid-back, tropical vibes of Buffett’s music are a far cry from the stormy legal seas his estate is now navigating.