Defending Jeremy Berman’s Final Wishes
Photo of Jeremy Berman courtesy of Dominic Howard
In Justice for Jeremy Berman’s previous post, “Dying for a Dream,” I shared key aspects of Jeremy’s story: the passion he poured into Q Drum Co., the sacrifices he made, and the devastating impact of a terminal cancer diagnosis.
What happened after Jeremy’s death is a much harder story to tell.
Many know Jeremy as a loyal friend, devoted colleague, remarkable craftsman, skilled drum technician, and visionary business founder.
Fewer know what happened behind the scenes as Jeremy became critically ill, the preparations we made as a family, and my perspective about challenges that continued for years afterward.
Before Jeremy died on January 9, 2023, our lives had already been connected for 16 years and our relationship was shaped by nearly two decades of shared experiences and commitment.
By late 2022, Jeremy had been diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer and his illness had progressed to the point where difficult conversations about the future could not be avoided. One of the hardest moments of our lives was telling our daughter, Brixton Berman, about her father’s diagnosis. Jeremy and I did so together, as a family.
Not long after, in September 2022, Jeremy executed a Durable Power of Attorney appointing me as his agent and named me as his healthcare agent under his Advance Directive. Jeremy also executed his Will, naming me as sole beneficiary and Executor of his estate.
Even with these important planning measures in place, losing Jeremy changed everything in ways our family could never have imagined. I suddenly found myself as a newly single mom facing criticism regarding my role in Jeremy’s life.
Legal disputes arose and allegations about me were made. A police report was filed against me by the opposing party and I was later contacted by a detective requesting an interview. All of this unfolded while I was still in the early stages of grief and processing Jeremy’s death.
Nevertheless, I wanted to be a good role model for our daughter, Brixton, and remain strong. I worked hard to ensure Jeremy’s affairs were handled according to the framework he created. In May 2023, Jeremy’s signed, witnessed, and notarized Will was lodged through counsel.
But a probate petition, filed later by the opposing party, stated that Jeremy died intestate (meaning they alleged that Jeremy died without a legal Will). It is my experience that both the police report and intestacy petition came as a shock, given that Jeremy had already executed estate planning documents in September 2022.
The intestacy petition resulted in extensive probate proceedings and, in my view, introduced additional legal processes, requirements, expenses, and outcomes that differed from what Jeremy intended. It is my opinion that Jeremy’s testamentary rights were being challenged and were not being properly respected.
Media attention followed, along with substantial public commentary about circumstances our family never expected to face. As if the heartbreak of losing Jeremy wasn’t enough, comments were made that I personally experienced as hurtful.
Beyond what I perceived to be challenges to Jeremy’s testamentary rights, this disruption had what I considered to be consequences for both my personal and professional life. To me, it seemed like relationships changed overnight. Some opportunities no longer appeared available, as if doors that were once open to me shut closed.
I often questioned whether media coverage and public discussion surrounding these disputes affected how others perceived me.
After probate litigation, I ultimately prevailed as Jeremy’s chosen representative, Executor, and sole beneficiary. Jeremy’s Will was upheld. While I am thankful, defending Jeremy’s estate for several years came with costs that neither Jeremy nor I could have anticipated back in September 2022.
This was not an easy story to share, but my goals remain steadfast: I will always honor Jeremy’s truth, protect his legacy, and ensure that his testamentary rights are respected.
This is the mission of Justice for Jeremy Berman.
Love, Brandi ❤️
Disclaimer: Although probate has concluded, related civil litigation continues. Because certain matters remain the subject of ongoing civil proceedings, the Estate cannot comment fully on those matters at this time.
This post is intended for informational, historical, advocacy, and activist purposes only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as legal advice and nothing herein is intended to waive any legal rights, claims, defenses, privileges, or remedies available to Jeremy Berman’s estate, its representative, or related parties.
The opinions expressed here are our own.
