LOS ANGELES — Jane Buffett, widow of late singer Jimmy Buffett, has filed a legal petition to remove the co-trustee of his $275 million estate, alleging a lack of transparency, poor communication, and failure to act in her best interests.
In court documents reviewed by Variety, Jane Buffett claims that Richard A. Mozenter, who became co-trustee after Buffett’s death in September 2023, has been “openly hostile and adversarial” in his role managing the estate. She is seeking Mozenter’s removal and hopes to replace him with Daniel Neidich, CEO of Dune Real Estate Partners.
Jimmy Buffett, known for his global brand built around his music and Margaritaville lifestyle empire, had designated his wife as the sole beneficiary of his estate. The plan was most recently updated in 2023.
After his death, Mozenter — managing director at the financial firm Gelfand, Rennert and Feldman LLC — was appointed to help oversee the sizable trust. According to the filing, Jane Buffett met with him one month after her husband’s passing to request an income projection to understand her financial future. She alleges Mozenter delayed that information for over a year.
In February 2025, Mozenter finally provided a financial estimate suggesting that the $275 million estate would generate less than $2 million annually — under one percent in returns. The filing called this figure “shocking,” especially since the estate reportedly owns a 20% stake in the Margaritaville brand, which has paid out $14 million over the past 18 months.
Jane Buffett’s legal team argues that Mozenter either lacks the competence or willingness to manage the trust properly. They accuse him of “unprofessional and combative communications,” including remarks that he couldn’t “have one productive conversation” with her and that his time was being “wasted.”
Mozenter and his firm reportedly billed the trust $1.75 million for services last year.
After receiving the financial projection, Jane Buffett sent a 13-page letter raising concerns and asking for detailed income expectations from Margaritaville holdings. Mozenter did not provide the data but instead referred her to her late husband’s estate tax return. He then informed her he had retained legal counsel in response to her inquiries.
The petition to remove Mozenter is now pending review in probate court.
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