Palm Beach County court is now the arena for a fractured family drama that has dragged on for nearly three years since Jimmy Buffett’s death. Jane Slagsvol, the singer’s widow of 46 years, is fighting to oust Richard Mozenter, the financial adviser who managed Buffett’s empire, from his role as co-trustee. She wants sole control.
Her eldest daughter, Savannah, stands in the way. At a hearing on February 12, 2026, Savannah’s attorney, Jared Gelles, argued that removing Mozenter would violate the original intent of the trust. Gelles emphasized that Mozenter isn’t a late-stage hire but a longtime fixture in the Buffett circle, possessing the institutional knowledge necessary to navigate the complex web of restaurants, hotels, and merchandise that make up the Margaritaville brand. The court currently allows Mozenter to use trust funds for his legal fees, a decision Jane has appealed.
The tension runs deeper than corporate governance. It’s personal. In August 2025, legal filings surfaced screenshots of text messages where Jane allegedly threatened to cut Savannah out of the will, specifically targeting her $75 million inheritance. One message reportedly read, "Say good bye to that 75mil." Jane’s lawyers denied any intent to disinherit the children, clarifying that while the trust terms give her that legal authority, she never intended to use it.
The other two children, Cameron and Delaney, have carved out a third path. Their attorney, Peter Sachs, avoided taking sides in the mother-versus-adviser feud. Instead, Sachs focused on the financial reality: the $275 million figure isn’t a pile of cash sitting in a vault. It’s a mix of illiquid assets and ongoing businesses. Sachs told the court his clients are worried about preserving the trust’s long-term value for all beneficiaries while ensuring Jane receives the support she was promised.
The next steps are procedural but critical. Jane’s appeal regarding Mozenter’s legal fees is pending, a move that could stall the main proceedings. The court is set to review whether the adviser’s continued involvement is in the best interest of the trust’s assets. For now, the family remains split, with Savannah defending the status quo, Jane pushing for autonomy, and Cameron and Delaney watching the budget.