Tenisha Warner sues Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother for $1.2 million estate claim

Tenisha Warner, the widow of actor Malcolm‑Jamal Warner, filed a civil lawsuit in July 2026 alleging that the late actor’s mother, Pamela Warner, who serves as successor trustee of the Warner Family Trust, owes her more than $1.2 million. The complaint cites a 2022 premarital agreement promising a $1 million life‑insurance policy for Warner’s wife and their nine‑year‑old daughter, an anniversary payment, a Roth IRA contribution and alleged unpaid salary as chief of staff.

Warner died in July 2025 after an accidental drowning while on vacation in Costa Rica. Tenisha has said she attempted to resolve the estate matters privately for a year, stating that Malcolm had been close to finalising a new estate plan before his death. The lawsuit seeks the claimed amounts, interest, attorney’s fees and an order to restrain the trustee from distributing trust assets while the case proceeds.

Separately, Tenisha has also sued Warner’s former business manager and financial adviser for professional negligence, alleging the adviser failed to secure the promised life‑insurance policy and to complete updates to the estate plan. The combined legal actions highlight ongoing disputes over the actor’s estate and the financial security of his surviving family.