After Judge's Ruling, Prince's Divorce Files Now Public

Records from Prince's 2006 divorce are now public.

The Star Tribune reported that despite objections from the late pop music icon's ex-wife and the special administrator overseeing his estate, Hennepin County District Judge Thomas Fraser ruled that "the right of access to civil court documents is considered fundamental to a democratic state."

Star Tribune attorney Leita Walker argued that common law and First Amendment rights mandate the unsealing of the documents.

In his ruling, Fraser stated that "Star Tribune correctly states that this case is unique only in that it involves an international celebrity, and that it would be unfair to grant special privacy rights based solely on this. The presumption of public access to court files outweighs individual wishes for privacy."

Prince died on April 21 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl. Because the Minnesota native did not have a will, a complex legal process has ensued over his fortunes and property.

Earlier this week, news broke that Illinois lawyer Andrew Stoltmann was hired as lead counsel for Prince’s 31-year-old niece, Briana Nelson.

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