The settlement of Gene Hackman's estimated $80 million estate remains on hold as unresolved federal tax issues continue to delay the probate case, according to newly filed court records.
Santa Fe County probate records show the court recently issued a notice of inactivity after no filings had been made for an extended period. In response, personal representative Julia L. Peters asked the court to keep the estate open while outstanding matters with the Internal Revenue Service are resolved.
"The Estate has filed an Estate Tax Return with the IRS, and there are pending tax matters relating to the estate which need to be completed prior to closing the estate," Peters wrote in the filing.
Peters was appointed personal representative in March 2025 after Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, and the actor's longtime attorney, Michael G. Sutin, both of whom were named in succession to administer the estate, had died before the probate process began. Court records also state Hackman's will, dated June 7, 2005, was "validly executed."
Hackman's three children from his marriage to Faye Maltese — Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie — were not nominated to oversee the estate. An attorney entered an appearance on their behalf in March 2025, but the court docket reflects no additional filings from the family.
Earlier filings showed Peters had completed an inventory of Hackman's assets after previously informing the court she had been "working diligently on the preparation of the inventory and the valuation of the property of the Decedent." Separately, Page Six previously reported the estate carried a $98,345.29 Citibank credit card balance.
Attorneys involved in the probate case did not respond to Page Six's requests for comment.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner best known for "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," and Arakawa were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Feb. 26, 2025. Investigators later determined Arakawa, 65, died Feb. 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Hackman, 95, died Feb. 18 from heart disease complicated by advanced Alzheimer's disease. Their bodies were discovered days later by a maintenance worker.
Authorities said Arakawa's body showed signs of advanced decomposition, and investigators described portions of the property as being in a hoarder-like condition. Earlier this year, the couple's 53-acre Santa Fe estate was listed for $6.25 million and found a buyer 11 days later.
Following Hackman's death, his daughters and granddaughter said in a statement provided to Page Six: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.
"He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."