Simon widow discontent with payments

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - The battle over billions continues. Bren Simon was back in a Hamilton County court Tuesday defending what she calls her cut of her late husband's fortune.

Dressed in her perfectly-tailored suit and carrying her Chanel handbag, Bren Simon was flanked by her team of attorneys as she walked into the Hamilton County courthouse in Noblesville.

Today's court proceedings started with Bren Simon's attorney asking the judge to recuse himself. Judge William Hughes was recently arrested for driving drunk in North Carolina and had hired attorneys from the same firm representing the Simon Property Group.

The judge asked Bren's attorneys to follow protocol and appeal to a higher court. Then the proceedings continued.

It's been more than a year since her husband, Mel Simon, the mall magnate, died, but the fight over money continues. Bren Simon says she wants to maintain the lifestyle her 37 years of marriage to Mel afforded her. But his children from a previous marriage argue she isn't even named as the income beneficiary of a $1.8 billion trust. They, too, have hired a team of attorneys.

Today in court, 24-Hour News 8 learned Bren is currently receiving $116,000 every two weeks for living expenses. Yet, her attorneys argue she should get 100 percent of the income generated from the trust. The annual average income of the trust is estimated at $57 million per year.

The actual trial is not scheduled until next year.

24-Hour News 8 asked Bren Simon if she was willing to talk on camera. She said her attorneys asked her not to comment.