Hayden Panettiere's Ex Fights To Protect Daughter Kaya's Inheritance Amid Estate Fears

Wladimir Klitschko has filed an urgent court petition to gain temporary authority over late actress Hayden Panettiere's estate, arguing it is needed to protect assets that could ultimately pass to their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.

According to court documents, Klitschko is asking the Los Angeles County probate court to give him temporary authority over Panettiere's estate. The petition describes the request as 'urgent and essential' and raises concerns about the potential loss, damage or dissipation of property belonging to Panettiere's estate.

Wladimir Klitschko Seeks Protection for Kaya's Estate

Panettiere, best known for her roles in 'Heroes' and 'Nashville', died in August at the age of 36. She and Klitschko, a former heavyweight boxing champion, welcomed their daughter Kaya in 2014.

The petition states that Kaya is the sole heir entitled to Panettiere's probate estate. Klitschko argues that the estate could be vulnerable until a personal representative is formally appointed to manage its assets.

The filing alleges that there is a 'high probability' that property belonging to Panettiere's estate could be lost, damaged or otherwise dissipated before a permanent representative is in place. Those are allegations contained in Klitschko's court filing and have not been independently established by a court.

Klitschko also claims that federal agents accessed Panettiere's Los Angeles residence following her death as part of an ongoing investigation and removed property belonging to the estate. He further alleges that someone had previously gained unauthorised access to Panettiere's property and could potentially attempt to obtain additional belongings.

According to the filing, items including clothing Panettiere wore at public appearances may be among the property at issue.

Concerns Over Missing Property

The petition also raises concerns about jewellery and other personal possessions that Klitschko says have disappeared or remain unaccounted for. Klitschko alleges that non-family members connected to Panettiere accessed and destroyed emails belonging to the actress. Some property, he says, is currently in the custody of law enforcement.

The allegations form part of Klitschko's argument that action is needed before a permanent administrator can take control of the estate.

The petition does not establish that any individual named or referenced in the allegations committed wrongdoing. Klitschko is seeking standing to file a petition that would allow an administrator to be appointed to oversee Panettiere's estate and protect the assets ultimately inherited by Kaya.

Kaya Is Panettiere's Only Child

Kaya, who is 11, has been living with Klitschko in Ukraine. Panettiere and Klitschko became engaged in 2013 before ending their relationship.

The actress remained involved in her daughter's life, although Kaya has primarily lived with her father for several years. The estate proceedings now centre on protecting the assets that could pass to Kaya following her mother's death.

The case comes as authorities continue to investigate circumstances surrounding Panettiere's death. The Greenville County Coroner's Office ruled that she died on August 16 from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl.

Other substances identified included 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine. The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the source of the fentanyl.

Court Hearing Set for October

Klitschko's petition seeks temporary authority while the longer process of appointing a permanent representative moves forward. According to the filing, that process could take several weeks. A court hearing has been scheduled for October 8, when the request can be considered.

For now, the estate proceedings remain ongoing, and no permanent administrator has been appointed. Klitschko's petition is ultimately focused on ensuring that Panettiere's assets are preserved for Kaya, who is identified in the filing as her mother's sole heir.