Kalistani Major History

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Court issues ruling in Stepanov Estate Suit
Finds for Lawrence Stepanov en toto, Other Stepanov relatives vow revenge
Kaliburg, Ananto
June 30, 4908


Jean Stepanov, step-sister of late singer calls Court ruling a "full travesty", cited for Contempt of Court

In a dramatic resolution of the controversial division of the estate of the late singer and songwriter Jennifer Stepanov, the judge in the case, Honorable Dawan Jackson found that "The claims of the Mr Alvin Stepanov and Ms. Jean Stepanov, father and sister of the diseased, are entirely without merit, and are designed to draw profit from the work of another which they did little, if anything to contribute to, and therefore their cases are dismissed without prejudice." Following the Verdict in the two Stepanov's lawsuits, Jean Stepanov pulled out a handgun, declared the court a "sham" and the proceedings a "full travesty" and swore revenge on Stepanov's brother, Lawrence Stepanov. The revolver was removed from Ms. Stepanov's possession and she was cited with a K30,000 fine for contempt of court. Alvin Stepanov requested an appeal, but the request was denied, given that this trial was a probate trial and not a criminal trial.

The Republic's claim to the music was also denied in pre-trial motion, and the State's solicitor stipulated that they believed that the music should go to Lawrence Stepanov as Trustee. The Republic's request was honored by the court and Mr. Stepanov was granted the legacy of the late singer.

"As for the other things, I would also like them as well," said Lawrence Stepanov following the hearing and dispensation, "But the court saw it fit that my step sister and estranged father should split the remainder of her property among them, as they see fit."

Granting Lawrence Stepanov control over his late Sister's work guarantees that the songs will be placed in the public domain. "I would love for some of her friends to record her music," said Stepanov, "But how someone could claim some sort of ownership over this work, when it rightfully belongs to the people of this Republic which my sister was so incredibly proud of, well, that is inconceivable." Immediately following Lawrence Stepanov's victory in court, VDR reps contacted him and suggested that they follow up on Lawrence Stepanov's comments and put together a record of some of the best work in the portfolio, including some of the classical arrangements which Stepanov wrote up.

"They said they would pay the cost of the recording and the publishing, and would sell the record at cost online for anyone who wants to enjoy the music of my late and wonderful sister," said Stepanov. "I was adamant that nobody profit from the record, and that Comrade Yeardly oversees the project as Executive Producer. I think of all the people my sister got to know, Yeardly was probably the friendliest and supportive of my sister, and I think if anyone knows what Jennie would have done, had she ever wanted to make a record, it would be Joanie- She was like a big sister to Jenn."

Yeardly, who is just finishing a Spring folk rock tour in Vrassa, has reportedly expressed interest in the project.

For her part, Jean Stepanov remains free and plans to appeal the Contempt of Court citation. Alvin Stepanov has largely accepted the verdict, publicly at least.