A $39 million estate battle over the late sculptor Fred Eversley has brought consumer DNA testing into the legal spotlight, as a California woman claims 23andMe results prove she is his daughter—an assertion the estate disputes ahead of a 2026 court hearing.
Story Overview
- Kelly Krechmer claims to be the daughter of late sculptor Fred Eversley based on a 23andMe test.
- The estate, valued at $39 million, has dismissed her claim.
- A court hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2026, to resolve the inheritance dispute.
- This case highlights the complexities of using consumer DNA tests in legal settings.
Consumer DNA Test Sparks Heirship Claim
Kelly Krechmer, a California resident, has filed a petition in Manhattan Surrogate’s Court to be recognized as the daughter and heir of the late sculptor Fred Eversley. She claims that a 23andMe genetic test from July 2024 supports her assertion of paternity, which her mother had reportedly told her throughout her life. Eversley’s estate, however, has dismissed Krechmer’s claim as “opportunistic and meritless,” and a hearing has been set for January 14, 2026.
Eversley, who passed away on March 14, 2025, left behind an estate valued at approximately $39 million, consisting of $27 million in personal property and $12 million in real estate. His will, finalized in September 2024, primarily benefits his wife, Anna Maria Larsson Eversley, and his siblings. Krechmer’s name is absent from the will, prompting her to seek legal recognition and a share of the estate.
Woman claims 23andMe test proves she’s the daughter of influential sculptor Fred Eversley https://t.co/Y9Fhu9SuUB pic.twitter.com/ep2FPuPP6z
— New York Post (@nypost) August 9, 2025
Legal Challenges and Implications
The case raises questions about the role of consumer DNA testing in legal proceedings. While services like 23andMe can identify potential genetic relationships, they do not carry the same legal weight as court-supervised DNA tests, which require strict chain-of-custody procedures to confirm paternity. This distinction is crucial, as the court may demand more rigorous evidence before recognizing Krechmer as Eversley’s heir.
This dispute also highlights the broader implications for estate planning, particularly among high-profile figures. The estate’s public statement and legal strategy underscore the challenges faced by beneficiaries and executors in defending wills against posthumous claims based on consumer genetics, which could set precedents for future cases.
Woman claims 23andMe test proves she’s the daughter of influential sculptor Fred Eversley https://t.co/zQe1ctliHk pic.twitter.com/dkFve06Req
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) August 9, 2025
Impact on the Art World and Beyond
The outcome of this case could influence how artist estates plan for potential paternity disputes, potentially leading to tighter documentation and legal strategies. For the art market, the ongoing litigation may affect the valuation and exhibition of Eversley’s works, with potential delays in estate distribution impacting galleries and institutions planning to showcase his art.
Beyond the immediate parties, this case resonates with broader societal themes of privacy, parentage, and the evolving role of DNA testing in probate and family law. As courts navigate these new challenges, the balance between technological advancements and legal standards remains a critical area of focus.
Sources:
Fred Eversley: Parabolic Light – Public Art Fund
Fred Eversley – David Kordansky Gallery
Fred Eversley: 50 Years an Artist – Muscarelle Museum of Art
