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Dennis Hopper may have died peacefully, but TMZ has learned a war is about to erupt over his estate -- partially because Dennis died a married man.
Dennis had been desperately trying to divorce Victoria Hopper -- he filed in January -- but the clock ticked too quickly, and the divorce was not final when he died this morning.
Why the race to split up? Under the prenup, Victoria gets 25% of Dennis' fortune and a $250,000 life insurance payout -- but only if they were married and living together when Dennis died.
That 'living together' part is critical because Victoria has been living in a separate house, on the same property as Dennis. Sources tell us Victoria will argue that since she was on the property, she was living with Dennis -- and is therefore entitled to the big payout.
Dennis' high powered attorney Joe Mannis isn't surprised, saying "She said she would challenge it, and I fully expect her to do so."
The divorce action is officially over now and this all moves to probate court -- where both sides say they're gonna fight.
Get ready for a battle royal.
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Reader Comments
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Well, it's obvious what his intentions were and they should be honored.
RIP.
Hopefully Dennis Hopper's high powered attorney will stop this gold digger in her tracks!
What an evil cow.A couple weeks ago when he didnt attend a deposition she said he wasn't that sick.Its to bad he couldnt have resolved this before his passing.I hope shes gets the absolute minimum.
Why did Dennis wait untill he got sick to try to divorice that wife? Lawyers are really going to make out..
C'mon TMZ. The man's body isn't even cold yet. Lay off for a few days and let him die with the dignity his family is apparently unwilling to give him.
he was influenced by his older children to divorce his wife. KARMA!
i'm thrilled he died still married to her. hope she gets her fair share!!
The only people to win in divorce / custody or probate cases are the attorneys. Just give her the damn 25% and $250K, and be done with her. It's blood money, after all - then let Karma do the rest. Bet on it.
She is such a BITC! It's no surprise though, she's been after his money. This is what happens when you marry a golddigger. Sadly, there was nothing peaceful about his death because of her!!! RIP Dennis
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER "PUT A RING ON IT" RIP DENNIS. **** YOU KAT, DAMN GOLD DIGGER
What has happened to Pre-Nups or death do we part and mourn. I guess lawyers come before anything anymore.
Please! People heve some respect. It doesn't matter if you liked him or not he was a person so please stop with the negativity. can't believe that so many people can compare what he has achieved to Kato. That is so low-classed.
I will never understand why anybody gets married anymore. Although Im sure lawyers are all for it.
