The Two Major Lawsuits That Defined Priscilla Presley's Life After Lisa Marie's Death

Priscilla Presley has faced a tumultuous period of legal challenges, navigating the complex aftermath of her daughter Lisa Marie Presley's sudden passing. The public spotlight has intensely focused on two major legal sagas: the highly publicized dispute over the late Lisa Marie’s estate and a more recent, high-stakes $50 million legal war with her former business associates. As of this current date, December 25, 2025, one battle has been definitively settled, bringing a degree of closure to the Presley family, while the other remains an ongoing, contentious fight in the courts, highlighting a dramatic new chapter in the life of the King of Rock and Roll's former wife. The resolution of the family trust dispute saw a peaceful, if financially significant, end to the conflict between Priscilla and her granddaughter, Riley Keough, but the peace was short-lived as a separate, multi-million dollar lawsuit involving allegations of fraud and financial elder abuse quickly took center stage. This article provides a comprehensive, deep-dive into both legal actions, detailing the claims, the resolutions, and the current status of Priscilla Presley's legal entanglements.

Priscilla Presley: A Biographical Profile

Priscilla Ann Beaulieu Presley is an American businesswoman, actress, and author who rose to global fame through her marriage to Elvis Presley. After his death, she played a pivotal role in transforming Graceland into a major tourist attraction, securing the Presley family's financial legacy.

• Full Name: Priscilla Ann Beaulieu Presley
• Born: May 24, 1945
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Spouse: Elvis Presley (m. 1967; div. 1973)
• Children: Lisa Marie Presley (with Elvis Presley), Navarone Garibaldi (with Marco Garibaldi)
• Grandchildren: Riley Keough, Benjamin Keough (deceased), Harper Lockwood, Finley Lockwood
• Notable Career Highlights: Co-founder and former chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), starred as Jane Spencer in the Naked Gun film series, and appeared in the television series Dallas.

The Estate Battle: Challenging the Lisa Marie Presley Trust

The first and most emotionally charged legal action involving Priscilla Presley began in the immediate wake of Lisa Marie Presley’s death in January 2023. This dispute centered on the control of the late singer's estate, particularly the Promenade Trust, which holds the majority of her assets, including the famed Graceland property and a significant stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE).

The Core of the Trust Dispute

The controversy was ignited when Priscilla Presley filed a petition in the Los Angeles Superior Court questioning the validity of a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie’s trust. The original trust had named Priscilla and Lisa Marie’s former business manager, Barry Siegel, as co-trustees. The disputed 2016 amendment, however, removed both Priscilla and Siegel, replacing them with Lisa Marie's two eldest children: Riley Keough and the late Benjamin Keough. Priscilla's legal team argued that the amendment was invalid for several reasons:

• Lisa Marie’s signature appeared inconsistent with her usual signature.
• The amendment was not notarized.
• Priscilla was never formally notified of her removal as co-trustee, as allegedly required by the trust’s terms.

This legal action pitted grandmother against granddaughter, creating a stressful public spectacle for the grieving family. The ultimate intention of the petition was to have the 2016 amendment invalidated, thereby reinstating Priscilla as a co-trustee alongside Riley Keough.

The Terms of the Settlement and Resolution

The family reached a confidential settlement agreement in May 2023, which was formally approved by a judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court later that year. The agreement effectively resolved the trust dispute:

• Sole Trustee: Riley Keough was confirmed as the sole trustee of the Promenade Trust, overseeing the estate for her younger twin sisters, Harper Lockwood and Finley Lockwood.
• Financial Payout: Priscilla Presley received a significant lump-sum payment, reportedly $1 million, from Lisa Marie’s life insurance policy. She also received an additional sum to cover her legal fees and expenses.
• Graceland Access: The settlement confirmed that Priscilla would be allowed to be buried at the Meditation Garden at Graceland, near Elvis and Lisa Marie, ensuring her place within the family's final resting place.

The resolution allowed Riley Keough to take full control of the estate, including Graceland, while providing Priscilla with a substantial financial and symbolic concession, bringing a definitive end to this particular “Priscilla Presley lawsuit.”

The $50 Million Legal War: Dueling Lawsuits with Former Business Partners

While the dust settled on the family trust, a new and aggressive legal battle erupted, involving Priscilla Presley and her former business associates, Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko, owners of GWS Auctions Inc. This conflict is a current and ongoing legal matter, representing the "latest update" in Priscilla's legal life.

Priscilla’s Elder Abuse Claim

In a dramatic turn, Priscilla Presley initiated a lawsuit against Kruse and Fialko in July 2024, alleging financial elder abuse and breach of contract.

• The Allegation: Priscilla's complaint claims that Kruse and Fialko took advantage of her and stole over $1 million from her. The lawsuit also targeted other individuals, including Vahe Sislyan and Walker Wright.
• The Context: The legal action stems from her business relationship with the duo, who were involved in auctioning Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley memorabilia.

The $50 Million Counter-Claim Against Priscilla

The former business partners swiftly responded to Priscilla’s allegations with their own massive counter-lawsuit, accusing her of fraud and breach of contract, seeking a staggering $50 million in damages.

• The Allegation: Kruse and Fialko allege that they were not paid for their services and that Priscilla used her celebrity status and influence to damage their reputation and business.
• The Nature of the Claim: Their complaint, filed in Los Angeles, paints a picture of a business relationship gone sour, where they were allegedly "iced out" of the partnership, leading to significant financial loss.

This ongoing legal conflict is a high-stakes, multi-million dollar legal war, with both sides trading serious allegations of financial misconduct and fraud. The status of this case remains active in the courts, with new filings and claims continuing to emerge, making it the most current and contentious legal challenge facing Priscilla Presley.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

The two major legal sagas involving Priscilla Presley have brought numerous key entities into the spotlight, all interconnected by the legacy of Elvis Presley and the vast Presley Estate. The resolution of the Promenade Trust was paramount, ensuring the future of Graceland under the control of Riley Keough, the sole trustee. The second, more recent legal action against her former business partners, Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko, involves severe allegations of financial elder abuse and breach of contract, with a $50 million claim at stake. These cases, heard in the Los Angeles Superior Court, touch upon themes of estate planning, trust administration, and celebrity business partnerships, creating a complex legal narrative that continues to unfold.

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