Billionaire Gerald J. Ford and his children are locked in a bitter succession drama over control of Hilltop Holdings, a $2.2 billion financial-services company. Four of Ford's children, including son Jeremy who took over as chair in 2025, are suing to wrest away his more-than-26% stake, worth approximately $600 million.

The core dispute centers on claims that Ford, 82, is suffering from cognitive decline and being manipulated by his wife, Kelli O. Ford. Ford's camp rejects these allegations, calling them simple greed and an attempt by older children to gain additional millions.

In late July, Ford withheld his votes for the entire board at the annual shareholder meeting, prompting his children to dispute his ability to vote shares held by a family investment vehicle. The board chair and CEO is personally suing his largest individual shareholder, his father. If Ford were to die, it remains unclear who would gain voting control of his stake, leaving questions about a major block of shares for the bank.

Forbes estimates Ford's net worth at about $3.2 billion. The conflict has morphed into something resembling an HBO dramedy rather than a typical boardroom dispute, with children alleging manipulation and Ford's camp denying the claims.