Birkhead - Stern Settlement?

Posted Feb 26th 2007 7:50AM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned that lawyers for Larry Birkhead and Howard K. Stern are in settlement negotiations.

There was a buzz at the courthouse after Krista Barth, Stern's lawyer, removed a styrofoam cup of water that rested on the witness stand as Birkhead testified in the Anna Nicole burial hearing. The cup went missing and there was speculation that Stern's reps used it for a DNA test, which could have provided the evidence proving Birkhead is the father Anna Nicole's daughter Dannielynn.

We're told a day after the cup incident, the parties started negotiating. TMZ spoke with Birkhead's lawyer Debra Opri Sunday in the Bahamas, who would not confirm a settlement. She did, however, say DNA testing must be completed and paternity established before any settlement could occur.

Sources say Stern could be amenable to giving Birkhead what he needs to establish custody. We're told that in return, Stern wants ongoing control of Anna's estate and, once the estate is probated, continued involvement by becoming trustee for Dannielynn.

Filed under: Celebrity Justice, Anna Nicole Smith

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(Page 1 of 60) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

1. Go Larry! Save Dannielynn Hope Marshall Birkhead from HK$!

Posted at 8:07AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Jennie

2. I hope there is truth to this story and it does work out. My my, Stern finally gives because he KNOWS that Larry Birkhead is the father of this baby. Funny how he still wants to be the Trustee for Dannielynn. I think her father should be the one to make that decision.

Posted at 8:08AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Utterly Amazed

3. I would NEVER agree to that settlement. In fact, I think Stern should be disbarred for his unethical behavior. Larry can win this because he is the FATHER, he doesnt need HSs permission for anything. HS is a POS.

Posted at 8:10AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Michelle

4. HKS should have nothing to do with the baby. If the court determines him to be in charge of the estate, then so be it.
He was not arelative of ANS nor legally married to her. A neutral party should be in charge of the trust.

Posted at 8:12AM on Feb 26th 2007 by a2

5. When some kidnapper asks for ransom , will it also be termed as Settlement??

Posted at 8:14AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Shantam Prem

6. Good Luck Danielynne.

Posted at 8:16AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Dottie

7. So they must know now that Larry is the father. GEEE aren't we all surprised!? HKS knew this all along but just wanted to be a sleazeball

Posted at 8:16AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Maria

8. If birkhead is the father and he agrees to any of those terms ,he is a idiot ...screw howard !!! What a snake..

Posted at 8:17AM on Feb 26th 2007 by bossybitchnc

9. anyone can see that it has always been the money for Howie, and Larry just wants his daughter.

Posted at 8:18AM on Feb 26th 2007 by true colors

10. Mr. Stern has really managed Anna's assets pretty well up to this point! Will he still be able to do that behind bars?

Posted at 8:18AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Miss Management

11. I can't believe Stern. He pledges undieing love for Anna and also admits that he made no financial contribution to thier " whatever that relationship was" union. He admits that he now lives off his retired parents income. Now, he seems willing to see that defeat is in the not so distant future, both in the case and Dannielynn and the Horizon's home he is presently squating in. So he says " let's make a deal"

I figure he knows full well that he has no future to earn millions while sitting on his loser butt so why not maintain the Trustee positon. I can only hope that Larry Birkhead lawyer is as smart as she seems and says " NO" and Larry hires a new Trustee for Dannielynn. If indeed Larry turns out to be the father. Howard has no further say, he's controlled the situation long enough. Time for someone else to call the shots. I would hate to see Dannielynn as a beautiful teen strung out on drugs to.

Posted at 8:22AM on Feb 26th 2007 by justice

12. If this is true..howard once again proves he has held that baby for ransom...i agree with #5..despicable...so howard will trade the baby for the money.....very sad...how stupid anna was..he traded her and her son for the money too is my thoughts..i wonder how many other friends of stars would get by with kiddnapping their children for ransom?

Posted at 8:25AM on Feb 26th 2007 by cherylinohio

13. Larry knows that it is just a matter of time before Howard is going to jail, then he can get him off the deal.

Posted at 8:25AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Seeya

14. Didn't think Stern was interested in raising a kid. . . . .just money.

Posted at 8:27AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Allison

15. Why can't Howie step up to the plate and get a "REAL JOB"??????????/

Posted at 8:30AM on Feb 26th 2007 by Cassie

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