Family, Mother Of Children Pleased With Parts Of Terence Crutcher Estate Ruling

Monday, a judge said Terence Crutcher's children are his heirs, not their mother, since the couple was not married.

Both sides of the argument over the estate are pleased with parts of the decision, for different reasons.

Judge Kurt Glassco said Crutcher and Frenchel Johnson both listed themselves as "single" on several documents, adding Johnson received benefits for being single she might have been denied if married.

12/5/2016 Related Story: Mother Of Terence Crutcher's Children Not His Wife, Judge Rules

The two also had separate bank accounts and filed separate tax returns, court documents say.

The court's decision is a partial victory for Crutcher's parents and twin sister, Tiffany, because they ultimately wanted to be named administers of the estate.

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"We are pleased that the facts of the case - we knew from day one that Terence was not married," said Crutcher family attorney, Damario Solomon-Simmons.

Johnson's attorney, Dan Smolen, said in a statement they appreciate the recognition of the 14-year relationship and that Crutcher's children will be heirs...but is "disappointed" with the court's decision that Johnson was not Terence's common-law spouse.

One issue still being worked out is the money raised through a Go Fund Me account; right now, the site shows nearly $169,000 has been raised.

Court documents say Tiffany Crutcher returned about $153,000 to the estate without documenting where the rest of the money went.

Solomon-Simmons said, "We take exception, great exception, to that statement because it's untrue. And, again, we look forward to the opportunity to prove that."

Glassco said it's unknown how, where or when the money was spent, but adds this is the first time his court has dealt with a Go Fund Me account, saying the situation raises questions that will be addressed in the future.

Even though the children will be the heirs, a neutral attorney will continue managing the estate.