BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) -- The fiancée of former late New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez is taking legal action, to try to ensure their 5-year-old daughter Avielle Hernandez benefits from the sale of Hernandez's home in North Attleborough.
Shayanna Jenkins is suing the estates of the three men Hernandez is accused of killing.
The lawsuit requets a trial be held to determine whether Aaron Hernandez's declaration of homestead remains in effect. The Commonwealth's Homestead Act protects up to $500,000 dollars of property's equity from creditors.
A judge has ordered that those funds from the sale of the mansion be placed in an escrow account until the lawsuit is resolved.
Wrongful death suits have been filed against Hernandez's estate by the families of Odin Llyod, Daniel DeAbreau and Safrio Furtado.
If those suits are successful, proceeds from the sale of the mansion could go to pay damages.
Attorney George Leontire represents Avielle Hernandez.
"Avielle is entitled to the protection of her father's homestead. There are a number of criteria that have to be met in order for that to be applicable that and that's why we are filing a lawsuit," he said.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports.