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- Judge notes inactivity as filings stall in Santa Fe probate
- Who is managing Gene Hackman’s $80 million estate?
- Tax filings cited as the main reason the estate isn’t closed
- Family dynamics and legal appearances
- Assets, debts and the Santa Fe property
- Timeline of deaths and discovery at the Santa Fe residence
- Inventory and valuation work continues amid legal limbo
- Outstanding procedural items and what to watch next
Gene Hackman’s multimillion-dollar estate remains tied up in court as tax questions and legal formalities delay final distribution. The high-profile matter has drawn attention after a judge flagged inactivity, while the estate’s personal representative says IRS-related issues must be resolved first.
Judge notes inactivity as filings stall in Santa Fe probate
A Santa Fe County judge recently issued a formal notice of inactivity after no filings appeared for a significant stretch. The move signals the court’s concern that the probate record has not advanced.
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Court documents show the case has not been closed, even though parties filed intermittent updates over the past months.
Who is managing Gene Hackman’s $80 million estate?
Attorney Julia L. Peters stepped in as the personal representative following a sequence of nominees. She officially sought the role in March 2025.
- Originally, Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was named executor.
- Next in line was the actor’s longtime lawyer, Michael G. Sutin.
- With both Arakawa and Sutin deceased, Peters assumed the duties.
The probate papers confirm the actor’s will, dated June 7, 2005, was admitted and is being followed in the estate process.
Tax filings cited as the main reason the estate isn’t closed
Peters told the court that an Estate Tax Return has been filed with the IRS. She added that there are outstanding tax items that must be resolved before the estate can be finalized.
Those tax matters are central to the delay, according to the representative’s recent filings.
What the filings say, briefly
- March 6, 2025: Julia L. Peters files to be personal representative.
- Aug. 1, 2025: Peters reports she is preparing inventory and valuations.
- Oct. 24, 2025: An inventory of decedent’s property is recorded.
Family dynamics and legal appearances
Hackman had three children from a prior marriage: Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie. None of them were named as personal representative.
On March 20, 2025, attorney Gregory W. MacKenzie entered an appearance on behalf of the three children. After that filing, no further action from their side is visible in the public docket.
Assets, debts and the Santa Fe property
The estate has been valued in reports at roughly $80 million. Executors are working through asset valuations and outstanding liabilities.
- Reported debt: a Citibank balance of $98,345.29.
- Real estate: a 53-acre Santa Fe property listed at $6.25 million.
- The Santa Fe house was described in official accounts as cluttered and hoarder-like.
- The home was listed for sale on Jan. 16 and found a buyer within 11 days.
Timeline of deaths and discovery at the Santa Fe residence
Officials determined Gene Hackman died on Feb. 18, 2025, at age 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died earlier on Feb. 11 at 65, from a hantavirus infection.
Both were discovered in their home on Feb. 26 after a maintenance worker made the grim find. Authorities noted decomposition and signs consistent with prolonged unattended remains.
Inventory and valuation work continues amid legal limbo
Peters has told the court she has been preparing the required inventory and valuations of the decedent’s assets. Those steps are necessary before distributions or creditor claims can be addressed.
Estate lawyers have not provided public comment to media requests about the current status of tax negotiations with the IRS.
Outstanding procedural items and what to watch next
Key items that could move the case forward include:
- Resolution of federal or state estate tax issues.
- Finalized valuations of art, property and other holdings.
- Any claims by creditors or additional filings by family representatives.
The court will likely revisit the case record if parties file new documents or if the representative asks for a scheduling order to advance probate steps.
