Filipino Marilyn Young and her eight-year-old daughter Jinky, who she claims is late chess grandmaster Robert J. Fischer daughter, were in Iceland last week to prepare a claim to Fischer’s estate.
Fischer’s grave in Iceland. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.
A biological specimen was taken from Jinky for a DNA test and their lawyer is hoping to find a specimen from Fischer—the last resort is to demand an excavation of his body, as reported on RÚV last weekend. The test will take two or three months.
“We will take any means necessary but of course we hope that we will find a biological specimen,” Thórdur Bogason, the lawyer representing the mother and daughter, told Morgunbladid. He emphasized that this case is about the child’s right to know her origin.
The outcome of the DNA test will have a deciding impact on other claims to Fischer’s estate. “If the test is positive we have won the case,” Bogason said.
According to Icelandic law, children are the legal heirs of their parents. Therefore the girl’s right to Fischer’s estate would be unquestionable. Fischer was an Icelandic citizen at the time of his death in January 2008.
Ever since Fischer died, the rights to his estate have been debated Icelandic courts. Last month Reykjavík District Court recognized the reversionary right of Fischer’s wife, Myoko Watai, and rejected the claim of his nephews.
Fischer’s nephews have appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court of Iceland. However, their claim will be annulled if it is proven that Jinky is Fischer’s daughter. The estate would then be divided between Jinky and Fischer’s widow.
Click here to read more about Bobby Fischer in Iceland.
