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Rauschenberg Lawsuit Moves Closer to Trial

Topher Forhecz

Lawyers in the battle between the trustees of artist Robert Rauschenberg’s estate, and his family and foundation met for a hearing at the Lee County Courthouse on Monday.

They discussed the finer details of the case as it moves closer to an expected trial date this summer.

The three trustees want $60 million as compensation for overseeing his estate. But the family and foundation say the amount is unreasonable.

At the hearing,  Judge Jay Rosman stressed he wants the trial to move efficiently. He told both lawyers the time to bring the case to court has come.

“I have the time ready to go in June. If this case is continued, we’re probably looking at some time in the fall,” he said. “I really don’t want to do that. Every case has a life where it needs to be resolved and this case with all due respect is at that point.”

Pop artist Bob Rauschenberg died in 2008 after living and working on Captiva. 

Topher is a reporter at WGCU News.