Legal tussle begins over Levert's estate

CLEVELAND, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The legal haggling over R&B singer Gerald Levert's assets has begun between the late Cleveland singer's cousin and two women who had children with Levert.

Cousin Anthony Gibson is the executor of Levert's estate. However, the mothers of two of Levert's children -- LeMichah Levert and Camryn Levert -- say he hasn't told them much about the disposition of at least $2 million worth of property, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported Wednesday. The singer's publishing copyrights and music royalties haven't been appraised.

During a hearing Wednesday, an attorney for the mothers told the magistrate about the lack of information provided, even about the location for proceeding. Gibson said the proceeding should be in Cuyahoga County, where the singer lived and spent most of his work and free time. The mothers' attorneys say the process should take place in Geauga County, Ohio, where Levert's Newbury Township home is located.

"We're being met with a lot of resistance," said Steven Cox, who represents the mothers of LeMichah Levert and Camryn Levert. Another child, Carlysia Levert, 17, also is set to inherit but it was unclear whether she is represented by Cox.

Levert died in November of an accidental prescription drug overdose.