Hayden Panettiere’s daughter appears in court as estate battle moves forward

Hayden Panettiere’s 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, made a rare court appearance with her father, Wladimir Klitschko, during a hearing concerning the late actress’ estate.

Kaya appeared remotely on Thursday, October 8, briefly speaking with the judge to confirm her identity and that she was with Klitschko. The former professional boxer did not appear on camera during the hearing.

The court ultimately granted Klitschko temporary guardianship of Panettiere’s estate, allowing him to begin probate proceedings. Kaya is the sole beneficiary of her mother’s estate.

Klitschko’s attorney, Diane Y. Park, also discussed additional powers being sought, including the ability to request and authorise law enforcement assistance in recovering property that may have been misappropriated by a non-family member.

The judge said Kaya will not need to attend the next hearing, which is scheduled for December 7.

Klitschko and Panettiere began dating in 2008 and became engaged in 2013. They welcomed Kaya in 2014 before ending their relationship in 2018. Klitschko was subsequently granted full custody of their daughter.

Panettiere died suddenly on August 16 at age 36 after being found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation into her death remains ongoing.

In September, Klitschko filed a temporary guardianship request on behalf of Kaya, citing concerns that property belonging to Panettiere’s estate could be lost or damaged before an administrator was appointed.

Before her death, Panettiere discussed her relationship with Klitschko and their daughter in her May 2026 memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, including her decision to give him full custody of Kaya.