Thursday, November 5, 2009
Money to cover legal fees, child care

Associated Press

MONTREAL -- The widow of boxing champion Arturo Gatti lost her bid for $140,000 she was seeking from the boxer's estate, but was awarded $37,500 Thursday to cover legal fees and child care costs.

Superior Court Justice Paul Chaput also allowed Amanda Rodrigues to enter their condominium in Montreal to collect her belongings.

Rodrigues is in a legal battle with Gatti's family over his estimated $5.6 million estate.

Gatti was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a posh Brazilian seaside resort in July. Brazilian police initially ruled the death a homicide and detained Rodrigues. Police later ruled the death a suicide.

The legal battle is being fought in Quebec and New Jersey, where the boxer made most of his earnings. At issue is the validity of a pair of wills that differ on how the estate should be divided.

Rodrigues' attorney claims a will signed in Quebec in June, which left the estate to her, is valid.

However, Gatti's family contends that a will signed in 2007 in New Jersey, where the boxer amassed his fortune, is valid. They say the one signed recently in Quebec was done so under duress.

The 2007 will leaves control of the estate to his mother.

The judge rejected Rodrigues' attempt to have the earlier will terminated. Chaput urged both sides to talk before returning to court on Nov. 17.