Anne Heche estate battle: James Tupper denied guardian petition, Homer Laffoon 'pleased with court's ruling' https://ift.tt/tmr7HFn

Anne Heche's son, Homer Laffoon, won another legal hurdle Tuesday in his ongoing court battle over the late actress' estate as her ex, James Tupper, was denied his petition to be named guardian ad litem over their son, Atlas, 13.

"We are pleased—but not surprised—with the court’s ruling this morning denying James’ petition to appoint himself guardian ad litem for Atlas," Laffoon's lawyer, Bryan Phipps, said in a statement released to Fox News Digital. 

"We look forward to the court resolving Homer’s petition at the next hearing and, in the meantime, Homer will continue to diligently administer the Estate pursuant to his authority as Special Administrator."

ANNE HECHE ESTATE BATTLE: HOMER LAFFOON OPPOSES NEW JAMES TUPPER GUARDIANSHIP PETITION IN COURT DOCUMENTS

Heche died on Aug. 11 just one week after a car collision in Los Angeles. She was 53. 

Tupper, who dated Heche for 11 years and has Atlas with the late actress, initially filed paperwork last week seeking to establish himself as the guardian ad litem of his son, who is legally a minor. Tupper's documents then go on to request "a bonded, neutral, private, professional fiduciary be selected to administer the subject estate."

Laffoon responded with an opposition to the petition in court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

ANNE HECHE'S SON, HOMER, SEEKS PRIMARY ROLE IN HER ESTATE PLAN AFTER LATE ACTRESS REPORTEDLY DIED WITHOUT A WILL

"As a general matter, Mr. Laffoon does not object to the appointment of guardian ad litem to represent the interest of Atlas Heche Tupper (the "Minor") in this matter. Mr. Laffoon, however, contends that the specific reasons for appointing a guardian ad litem, as detailed in the GAL Petition, are insufficient to warrant the appointment of a guardian ad litem, especially at the expense of the Minor," the documents state.

A source told Fox News Digital that Atlas's interests are already "adequately represented in the proceedings" as they are also Laffoon's interests. "Anything that Homer does to augment those interests or harm those interests, will also augment or harm his own interests," the source said.