Nearly a year after Gene Hackman’s death, his reported $80 million estate is still being handled in New Mexico courts. Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead inside their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. Investigators later determined that Arakawa died first, on February 11, from a hantavirus infection. Hackman died days later on February 18.
According to court documents obtained by Page Six, attorney Julia L. Peters filed paperwork on March 6, 2025, asking to be appointed as the personal representative of Hackman’s estate.
Hackman’s will originally named Arakawa for the role, followed by his longtime attorney, Michael G. Sutin. After both Arakawa and Sutin died, Peters stepped in and formally accepted the nomination.
“Julia L. Peters has priority to be appointed as personal representative as a result of the deaths of Betsy Arakawa Hackman and Michael G. Sutin,” the filing reads. “Julia L. Peters accepts the nomination to be the Personal Representative.”
Gene Hackman’s Estate Moves Forward One Year After Death
Hackman’s Last Will and Testament, dated June 7, 2005, was included in the case and is believed to have been “validly executed,” according to court filings. While Hackman mentioned his three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese — Christopher Hackman, Elizabeth Hackman, and Leslie Hackman — he did not name them as personal representatives.
In addition to his will, Hackman created two trusts before his death: the Gene Hackman Living Trust and the GeBe Revocable Trust. On March 17, 2025, Peters filed paperwork seeking to appoint Avalon Trust, LLC as successor trustee for both trusts. Peters serves as Chief Counsel and partner at the firm.
Court filings state that Avalon “is best situated to fairly and accurately carry out Mr. Hackman’s final directions and wishes in accordance with his intent.”
The ‘Hoosiers’ Star’s Children Spoke Out After His Death
Despite reports that Hackman had been estranged from his children, his daughters Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, along with granddaughter Annie, released a statement to Page Six after his death.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy,” they said. “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Gene Hackman’s Sante Fe Estate Finds a Buyer
Hackman’s longtime Santa Fe estate, where he and Arakawa lived privately for decades, was listed for $6.25 million on January 16.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the 13,000-square-foot gated property sits on 53 acres and includes two adjacent parcels.
The home received a contingent offer by January 27, less than two weeks after listing. A contingent offer means the seller has accepted an offer, but certain conditions, such as inspections or repairs, must be met before closing.
Listing agents Tara S. Earley and Ricky Allen of Sotheby’s International Realty told the outlet that the couple’s personal effects were removed and the property was professionally staged before hitting the market.
