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Kurt Cobain’s heirloom guitar goes to daughter’s ex-spouse

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | May 17, 2018 | Property Division |

Family heirlooms often get caught up in bitter divorce fights — especially when they’re both highly portable and valuable.

Frances Bean Cobain, the daughter of music legend Kurt Cobain, who was arguably the most influential musician of his generation and whose music still inspires many, found this out the hard way when she finally parted from her spouse. She walked away from the marriage, but her ex-husband eventually walked off with the acoustic guitar once owned by Kurt Cobain.

How could something like that happen? Unfortunately, fairly easily.

The acoustic guitar was part of a limited-production of only 300, making it valuable from the start. It sells for around $6,500 on most collectible sites. However, it’s real value lay in the fact that it was the one used by Cobain in his famous appearance on MTV’s “Unplugged” shortly before his death. For fans of the era, it’s the single most recognizable musical instrument in the world — making it potentially worth millions.

For the Cobain family, it was nearly priceless. However, when his daughter left her troubled marriage, the guitar remained in her ex-husband’s possession, and he refused to turn it over. He claimed that it was his because his wife had given it to him.

Separate property that’s held by a spouse prior to marriage is generally not part of the marital assets. Therefore, the vast amount of the younger Cobain’s inherited wealth from her father’s estate couldn’t be touched by her spouse.

However, when one spouse makes a gift of something to the other for a birthday or some other reason, that gift usually becomes the other spouse’s private property — even when it’s a family heirloom. The only way to avoid that problem is to get an agreement that a family heirloom must be returned if there’s a divorce.

Unfortunately, when there’s a dispute over a family heirloom, it can often boil down to a “he said/she said” argument that has to be decided in court. While the arguments can become highly emotional and extremely expensive, it’s sometimes wiser to just cut your losses and move on — which is what Cobain’s daughter apparently decided to do.

With the property division issues settled, Frances Bean Cobain is able to put her troubled marriage behind her — which may ultimately be the best gift of all.

Source: Blabbermouth.net, “KURT COBAIN’s Daughter Loses His Famous Guitar In Divorce Settlement,” May 16, 2018

I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jun 6, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Receiving divorce papers is already overwhelming. When false allegations are part of the paperwork, the situation can feel even more difficult. It’s essential to stay calm and know how to address the issue. Here’s what to do if you receive divorce papers containing...

Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 14, 2025 | Divorce

Domestic partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but they can complicate the divorce process. If you're ending a domestic partnership, your legal path may differ from that of a traditional divorce, especially in California....

Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 10, 2025 | Divorce

In California, Moore/Marsden calculations determine how to divide property when one spouse’s separate property has contributed to the acquisition or improvement of community property. These calculations ensure a fair division of property in divorce cases, particularly...

How can you document SP for asset protection?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 3, 2025 | Family Law

When you're about to get married, it's important to think about how to protect your assets, including spousal support (SP) money. If you've received spousal support in the past or expect it during your marriage, you may worry about documenting its use—especially if...

What to expect during child support enforcement actions

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 23, 2025 | Child Support

Child support represents the financial contributions a non-custodial parent makes towards their child's upbringing. It ensures a parent meets the child's basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. It also supports a child's wellbeing, especially when parents...

Can you reimburse expenses before child support orders take effect?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 17, 2025 | Child Support

After a separation, managing child-related expenses can become a challenging task, especially before any official child support orders take effect. Many parents wonder if they can reimburse child expenses during this interim period. Understanding your rights and...

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in custody cases?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 11, 2025 | Custody & Visitation

When it comes to custody cases, it is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than fathers. This often stems from historical trends and societal assumptions about parenting roles. Whether you are a mother concerned about maintaining your relationship with...

Why should you update your advanced directives during a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 28, 2025 | Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is updating your advanced directives. These legal documents play a vital role in ensuring others respect your wishes, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Protecting your...

Can you protect yourself and your children without a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 25, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates a terrifying and dangerous situation. You may feel trapped, believing divorce is your only option for safety. The good news is that California law provides legal alternatives if your moral beliefs prevent you from getting a divorce. Let us...

What can California parents do if their child refuses to visit the other parent?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 14, 2025 | Child Custody

Dealing with a child who does not want to see their other parent can create stress for everyone involved. California courts expect parents to follow custody orders while being sensitive to their children's feelings. Parents can struggle to balance their legal...

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Recent Posts

  • I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?
  • Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?
  • Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce
  • How can you document SP for asset protection?

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