Jimmy Buffett Estate Battle: Widow Claims Business Manager Seeks Undue Control of $275 Million Fortune.
  • 759 views
  • 2 min read

The estate of the late singer-songwriter and businessman Jimmy Buffett has become the subject of a legal battle between his widow, Jane Buffett, and his former business manager, Rick Mozenter, over a $275 million trust.

Jane Buffett filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, seeking to remove Mozenter as co-trustee of the estate. She accuses him of mismanagement, withholding crucial financial information, and acting in a hostile and adversarial manner toward her. According to the filing, Mozenter has "failed to perform even the most basic tasks" expected of him, leaving Jane "in the dark" regarding her own finances. Her lawyers further claim that Mozenter "belittled, disrespected and condescended to Mrs. Buffett" when she requested information. She is asking the court to replace Mozenter with Daniel Neidich, a seasoned real estate investor and CEO of Dune Real Estate Partners.

Mozenter, an accountant at Gelfand Rennert & Feldman, had been Buffett's trusted financial advisor for over 30 years. He was appointed co-trustee after Buffett's death in September 2023. However, Mozenter filed a countersuit in Florida on Monday, June 2, requesting Jane's removal as co-trustee, alleging that she has interfered with the trust's proper function, disrupted decision-making, delayed processes, and caused financial harm. Mozenter's petition asserts that Buffett intentionally limited Jane's control over the trust, concerned about her ability to manage the assets. His attorneys state that Jane's anger over this perceived lack of control has led to hostile behavior and a lack of cooperation.

Jane's complaint states that she met with Mozenter a month after her husband's death, seeking clarity on the expected annual income from the trust. However, she claims Mozenter "dragged his feet" for 16 months, repeatedly ignoring her requests. When he finally provided an estimate in February 2025, Jane was told she would receive less than $2 million annually, which her lawyers argue is insufficient to cover her expenses and a "remarkably poor return" for an estate of this size. The filing also notes that Mozenter's company has already been paid $1.75 million for their services.

According to Jane's filing, Jimmy Buffett created a series of trusts over the years to protect his family after his death. Jane was made the sole beneficiary of a marital trust holding the bulk of his assets, including real estate and a 20% stake in Margaritaville. The couple's three children, Savannah, Delaney, and Cameron, each have a one-third share of the remaining Federal estate tax exemption, worth approximately $2 million each.

A close friend of the Buffetts told PEOPLE that Jimmy "would never have wanted Jane to be treated like this" and emphasized the strong bond and trust between them throughout their 46-year marriage.

The dueling lawsuits paint a picture of a deeply fractured relationship between the co-trustees, raising questions about the future management of Buffett's vast estate and the Margaritaville empire he built. The legal proceedings are ongoing in both California and Florida.


Writer - Arjun Reddy
Driven by curiosity, a desire for truth, and a passion for sports, Arjun is a determined journalist focused on local governance and civic affairs. He's diligently researching public records and attending council meetings to understand grassroots policymaking. Arjun, also an avid sports enthusiast, aims to make local government more transparent and accessible through his clear, concise reporting.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
A recent video clip of Philadelphia Flyers' rising star Matvei Michkov expressing his dislike for the "dump and chase" style of hockey has stirred up a playful clash with the team's new head coach, Rick Tocchet. The 20-year-old Michkov, known for his...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
Wayne Rooney has voiced his strong opinions on the persistent issue of racism in football, recounting a distressing experience during his time managing DC United in Major League Soccer. Speaking on his new BBC podcast, "The Wayne Rooney Show," the fo...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Samajwadi Party (SP) is escalating its conflict with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the poll body of inaction regarding alleged voter list irregularities during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The SP has produced copi...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Edmonton Oilers have been actively exploring the European market to bolster their forward depth, particularly after signing David Tomasek. While Tomasek is expected to compete for a spot on the NHL roster, reports indicate that the Oilers also co...

Advertisement
Entertainment  |  Aug 18, 2025
Taylor Swift has once again demonstrated her unparalleled influence in the music industry, this time with the rapid sell-out of the vinyl variants for her upcoming album, "The Life Of A Showgirl". The new variants, unveiled on Monday, August 18th, we...

Technology  |  Aug 18, 2025
Sherrod Brown, who recently served as a United States Senator for Ohio from 2007 to 2025, has announced his candidacy for the 2026 special election in Ohio. Brown, a Democrat, is seeking to reclaim a Senate seat after losing his re-election bid in 20...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Rajya Sabha experienced a day of disruption on Monday as the Opposition staged a walkout over the issue of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Despite the turmoil, the government successfully pushed through the India...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
A controversy has erupted in Assam over a question included in a recent Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) examination regarding the Manipur crisis, specifically concerning the absence of any mention of Kuki militants in the answer choices. The A...

Advertisement

About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360