Relatives Gain Control of Rappaport Estate

Relatives of the late David Rappaport--the “L.A. Law” actor who committed suicide in May--have wrested control of his estate from Los Angeles County officials.

Frankie Leigh, the 3-foot-11 star’s cousin and manager, said that the family plans to sell Rappaport’s Hollywood Hills home, but not for several months. The proceeds will go to Rappaport’s 14-year-old son, Joseph, who is coming to Los Angeles next week to live in the house along with Rappaport’s fiancee, Eliza Lende.

Leigh, who was named general administrator of the estate last week, won her suit to obtain that position after presenting letters to the court signed by Rappaport’s son and heir, the boy’s mother and a number of other relatives who requested her appointment.

Previously, the county public administrator’s office had asserted jurisdiction over the British Rappaport’s U.S. possessions, which primarily consist of his house, a car, clothing and a checking account.

Representatives of the public administrator had begun eviction proceedings against Lende, who had lived in the house for several years and had attempted to take possession of his car and clothing.

“They fought us tooth and nail,” Leigh said in an interview. “And at the last second the judge said, ‘She (Leigh) is his cousin, she is an American citizen, what’s the problem? Why are you insisting on controlling the estate?’ ”

Gene Kent, head of the office of the public administrator, said that the county was simply trying to protect the interests of Rappaport’s heir. His office stepped in, Kent said, because Rappaport died without a will and Joseph is a British subject and a minor.