Wladimir Klitschko has requested an urgent court appointment to protect daughter Kaya’s inheritance following Hayden Panettiere’s death.
The former heavyweight boxing champion filed paperwork in Los Angeles on September 24 seeking temporary guardianship of his 11-year-old daughter’s estate. The petition identifies Kaya as the sole heir to her mother’s probate estate, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly.
Klitschko, 50, argues that someone needs immediate legal authority to protect the assets while the estate awaits an appointed representative. The Associated Press also reported the urgent petition.
Why Klitschko wants an urgent appointment
The filing describes the requested appointment as “urgent and essential.” It would allow Klitschko to initiate probate proceedings and nominate an administrator for Panettiere’s estate on Kaya’s behalf.
His lawyers warn that property could be lost, damaged or depleted before a representative takes responsibility for safeguarding it. They argue that any such loss would directly affect Kaya’s inheritance.
The request concerns authority over Kaya’s financial interests. The reported filing does not describe a new dispute over her physical custody.
Filing raises concerns about access to property
According to the Page Six report, Klitschko states in the paperwork that he believes federal agents entered Panettiere’s Los Angeles home during an investigation and removed property belonging to her estate.
He also alleges that an unnamed person previously gained unauthorized access to her property. The filing says Panettiere and Klitschko had hired a security service before her death because of those concerns.
The security service changed the home’s locks after her death, according to the documents. Storage units containing designer clothing and accessories were also relocated as a precaution.
Klitschko further alleges that people outside the family accessed and deleted emails. He says some jewelry and other personal belongings remain unaccounted for, while law enforcement holds certain items.
These statements are allegations in the filing. They do not establish that anyone stole property or committed another offense.
Who would protect the estate?
The petition says no personal representative currently has authority to safeguard Panettiere’s estate during the investigation, including seeking the return of belongings when investigators no longer need them.
Klitschko’s proposed role would allow him to act for Kaya as the estate proceedings begin. The petition’s description of her inheritance does not establish the estate’s final value or the amount she will ultimately receive.
Panettiere and Klitschko shared one daughter
Panettiere and Klitschko welcomed Kaya in 2014 and ended their relationship in 2018. Panettiere later spoke publicly about maintaining a close relationship with her daughter through visits and video calls.
Panettiere died on August 16 at age 36. Following her death, Klitschko paid tribute to her as an important part of his life and the mother of their daughter.
The reporting reviewed describes his request for a court appointment. It does not establish that a judge has granted the requested temporary guardianship.