Fee Dispute Erupts In Fred Thompson Estate

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

The widow of former U.S. Sen. Fred W. Thompson is charging that a bill submitted to the one-time presidential candidate's estate by a well know Nashville, Tenn. law firm is "inappropriate, improper and not a valid claim."
The challenge to the $14,550 claim by the firm of Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis was filed recently by Jeri Thompson, the former actor's widow.
The challenge is scheduled for a hearing this week before Davidson Probate Judge David "Randy" Kennedy.
The $14,550 claim provides a detailed accounting of a last minute failed effort to amend or replace Thompson's will, which had been prepared over a decade earlier prior to the birth of two of Thompson's children by Jeri, his second wife.
Nearly simultaneously with the filing of the challenge, the Waller firm asked to be relieved of its duties as the legal representative of the estate.
Kennedy subsequently approved the motion and two attorneys with Neal and Harwell, William Ramsey and Stephen Montgomery, entered their appearances for the estate. They did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
The disputed Waller bill seeks payment for nearly 90 hours of legal work between Oct. 12 and Oct. 28 of last year. Thompson died Nov. 1.
According to the claim, the $14,550 billing included a substantial discount and otherwise would have totaled $40,526. One entry in the bill states, "preparation of notice of incompetency and research regarding use of powers of attorney."
The billings show there was a last minute set of documents, including a "Power of Attorney" sent to Alive Hospice, where Thompson died
The will filed by the Waller firm in Thomson's estate was signed in 2003 and leaves the bulk of his estate, well over $1 million to  Jeri K. Thompson, who is named as executor.
While the will makes awards to the two children from his first marriage, it omits two children, Hayden and Samuel, born after the will was drawn up.
Thompson, whose net worth has been estimated at $8 million, died from lymphoma. The will was filed Nov. 17. Named in the will were Thompson's sons by his first marriage, Fred D. Thompson Jr and Daniel L. Thompson, who were awarded $50,000 each.
Thompson, a Tennessee Republican, served in the U.S. Senate from 1994 to 2003. A one time Republican presidential candidate and an attorney himself, Thompson had a long and successful acting career including a role as Manhattan District Attorney Arthur Branch in the Law and Order television series.