Judge Intervenes In D’Wayne Wiggins’ Bitter $700K Estate War After His Children Are Reportedly Cut Out
[Note: Typically for these kinda stories, TMZ didn’t show when this judge’s order that appears to be the new development in this months-old case happened. We also don’t know show where the case is being heard. ]
Tony! Toni! Toné! singer D’Wayne Wiggins made music that brought families together.
Now, months after his untimely death, his own family is embroiled in a bitter dispute, revealing drama far removed from their chart-topping hits.
The fight centers on Wiggins’ estimated $700,000 estate.
His children say he excluded them from his final will. They do not believe that decision reflected their father’s true wishes.
The battle became so heated between all parties that a probate judge had to intervene.
The court temporarily froze all distributions from Wiggins’ estate and trust. No money can leave while the family challenges the documents.
According to TMZ, the order covers payments to third parties. One issue resolved is that the estate cannot donate money to Wiggins’ foundation. It also cannot fund scholarships or issue other grants.
The judge wants to preserve the remaining assets. The court must first decide whether Wiggins’ final will and trust are valid.
Wiggins’ daughter, Ilahn Wiggins, filed the challenge with her two brothers. She says their father shared a loving relationship with his children. She cannot understand why he would leave them nothing.
The siblings claim Wiggins signed the documents during end-of-life care. They say he was taking heavy medication. They believe the medication compromised his mental capacity.
Their accusations focus on Veleta Savannah.
Savannah reportedly told the children that she controlled the trust. She also allegedly blocked them from entering their father’s home.
Ilahn raised another troubling claim. She alleges that Savannah used a power of attorney document to withdraw $20,000 from Wiggins’ bank account.
Savannah denies any wrongdoing. She says a doctor evaluated Wiggins before he signed the new documents. The examination reportedly occurred one day before the signing.
According to Savannah, the doctor found Wiggins alert. The physician also considered him competent. Savannah says Wiggins could manage his financial and personal affairs.
Savannah insists that Wiggins knowingly placed her in charge. She also claims he intentionally disinherited his children. That is a shocking final decision. His children clearly are not accepting it without a fight.
Wiggins married Dori Wiggins several months before his death. Savannah was identified as his niece in the original filing. A later TMZ report described her as his cousin. The family tree may be unclear. The family feud is not.
Facebook users were stunned that the late singer’s legacy had become tangled in such an ugly fight.
“Sad!!! It’s not worth squabbling over if it’s no wife but kids the children get it…. So talented and as we know the music industry continues to cheat artist!!!” one person stated. Another declared, “The money should go to his kids.”
Others could not believe the amount at the center of the dispute.
“They fighting for $700,000?” one commenter asked. Another person supplied an unfortunate soundtrack: “Money, Money, Money 
money,” repurposing the O’Jays’ 1973 hit song, “For the Love of Money.”
Several people predicted that the legal fight would drain the estate before anyone received a dime.
“They need to work it out between one another. If not, that lil money gonna be gone in court fees,” one warned. Another said, “That amount could be $70 and ignorant family members will still fight over it.” A third person added, “After the attorney fees that $700k is gone!”
Some users saw the feud as another cautionary tale about estate planning.
“Why are people against writing a will?” someone asked. Another lamented, “Usually how things go After a death. Sad.”
One person even pulled another famous family into the conversation: “Wait till Demi and the kids fight with the new wife over Bruce Willis money.”
Wiggins died in Oakland on March 7, 2025, at the age of 64. He had privately battled bladder cancer for about one year.
The chart-topper founded Tony! Toni! Toné! with his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley. The group helped define modern R&B. Its hits include “Feels Good,” “Anniversary” and “Whatever You Want.”
He was not just making music with his family members. Wiggins was building a business.
In 1995, he launched Grass Roots Entertainment, where he developed rising talent while earning production fees, executive credits, and publishing income. His Oakland studio, House of Music, also became a creative gold mine.
Bookings and development sessions brought in revenue, while future stars including Destiny’s Child, Keyshia Cole, and India.Arie came through its doors before becoming household names, Celebrity Net Worth reports.