Heath Ledger’s family gift his entire estate to daughter Matilda

Heath Ledger’s family have said that his daughter Matilda will inherit all his fortune.

The Dark Knight star was estimated to have a fortune of around $20million on his death in January including property in the US and his native Australia.

According to his will, written two years before the birth of Matilda in October 2005, half of his estate would go to his sisters Kate, Olivia and Ashleigh, with the remaining half to his parents Kim Ledger and Sally Bell.

Matilda’s mum Michelle Williams was expected to make a legal claim for a portion of the money on the nearly three year old girl’s behalf but now Kim has told the Australian newspaper the Sunday Times that the family will make “no claim” for the money: “Our family has gifted everything to Matilda.”

However, Matilda may miss out on an additional $10million as Heath’s life insurance company is refusing to pay out.

The cause of Heath’s death was officially recorded as an accidental overdose but ReliaStar Life Insurance Company are said to be querying the verdict, claiming the death was “suspicious” and possibly suicide, which would nullify the policy.

Lawyers acting on behalf of Matilda are said to be starting legal action against the company, claiming it is “maliciously, fraudulently and/or oppressively … depriving plaintiff of the insurance policy benefits.”

In its legal reply, ReliaStar explained: “ReliaStar is entitled to investigate Plaintiff’s claim to determine if the ‘Suicide’ provision is applicable. If the Insured commits suicide … we will pay only the amount of premiums paid to us.”