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Robin Williams’ family in bitter estate feud

The wife and children of late actor Robin Williams will meet outside of court to try and resolve a bitter dispute over who should keep personal items belonging to the comedian.

The 63-year-old had three adult children from two different marriages before marrying his third wife, widow Susan Williams, in 2011.

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In papers filed in December, Mrs Williams said the contents of the home she shared with Williams should be excluded from the things the late actor left his children from previous marriages.

She also claimed some of her husband’s personal items were taken without her permission.

The family have agreed to meet outside court to try to resolve their dispute over items including a tuxedo he was married in and photographs taken on his 60th birthday.

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Andrew Cheng told lawyers for both sides during a hearing to meet before April 10 and enlist the help of a mediator if necessary before returning to court.

AAP

The world went into mourning after Williams’ death in August. Photo: AAP

Williams’ children countered that Susan Williams was “adding insult to a terrible injury” by trying to change the trust agreement and rob them of items that their father clearly intended them to have.

They said the belongings include clothing, watches, photos taken prior to his marriage to Susan Williams, and entertainment awards.

Lawyer Jim Wagstaffe told the judge that Mrs Williams has agreed with how hundreds of items should be distributed and was trying to amicably resolve problems involving others.

“I think we can work our way through this,” Mr Wagstaffe said.

Lawyer Meredith Bushnell, who is representing Robin Williams’ children Zachary, Zelda and Cody, said the public dispute has been excruciating for her clients.

“We would like to see this wrapped up as soon as possible, so they can move on with their lives and continue the grieving process,” she told Judge Cheng.

Robin Williams died in August at his home in Tiburon in the San Francisco Bay Area. The coroner ruled his death a suicide.

The actor’s wife has said he struggled with depression, anxiety and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.

– with AAP

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