Kaya Klitschko Appears in Court for Panettiere Estate

Kaya Klitschko, the 11-year-old daughter of Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko, recently appeared remotely in a court hearing concerning Panettiere's estate. She joined her father, Wladimir Klitschko, to participate in the proceedings where guardianship over the estate was discussed. Kaya spoke briefly to the judge, confirming her identity and that she was with her father.

Following the hearing, Wladimir Klitschko was granted temporary guardianship of Panettiere's estate. The court indicated that Kaya would not need to be present for the subsequent hearing, which has been scheduled for December 7. Panettiere passed away on August 16 at the age of 36, with an investigation into her death ongoing.

Klitschko had filed for temporary guardianship on Kaya's behalf in September, as she is the sole beneficiary of Panettiere's estate. This filing was deemed necessary to allow Klitschko the standing to manage Panettiere's probate and estate administration, preventing potential loss or damage to assets before a formal representative could be appointed.

In her memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," released in May 2026, Panettiere had discussed her decision to grant Klitschko full custody of Kaya, describing it as a profoundly difficult experience. The book also touched upon her childbirth, postpartum depression, and addiction struggles.