Dennis Hopper's family locked in bitter battle over will

London (ANI): Late actor Dennis Hopper's family are embroiled in a legal battle over his multi-million-dollar estate. Hooper's estranged fifth wife Victoria Duffy, 42, filed a claim against his estate at Los Angeles superior court, but the actor's attorney, Joe Manis, has said he is not giving up without a fight.

"We are ready for war," the Daily Express quoted him as warning on June 6. It is believed that Hopper had left everything to his three grown-up children, his seven-year-old daughter with Duffy, and two grandchildren. Duffy is challenging a new will he drew up after filing for divorce in January.

The actor and Duffy had signed a prenuptial agreement in April 1996, which entitled her to 25 percent of the estate, including homes in Los Angeles and New Mexico as well as a modern art collection. But Hopper filed a lawsuit two months ago claiming Duffy had stolen a Warhol painting and Banksy sculptures.

She is also still living in a guesthouse in the grounds of the home she shared with Hopper in the Bohemian LA beach community, Venice. The 'Easy Rider' star had also claimed that his liquid assets had dwindled to less than 300,000 dollars during his final months, due to Duffy's financial demands. "There were legal actions and counter-actions flying even before Dennis passed away," a lifelong friend of Hopper's had told the Sunday Express.

"He was praying his divorce from Victoria would be finalised before he died so there could be no disputes. It was Dennis's dearest wish that his four children get everything that remains. Sadly, there could now be months, even years, of legal wrangling before anyone walks away with a dime. This is not how he wanted it to end. Dennis went to his grave without the resolution he desired," the friend added.

The law firm representing Duffy refused to comment, but a source revealed she is not giving up. "Duffy has given every indication she will fight tooth and nail for every penny she can get," the source stated.