James Brown's effects to be sold

Brown's family initially disagreed over the star's burial place

Possessions of late soul singer James Brown are to be auctioned off to help pay off outstanding tax bills, trustees appointed by court have said.

Details of the items to be sold have not been disclosed, nor the amount of money owed to the authorities.

Brown's will called for his estate to be divided amongst his six children. They are contesting the will along with his partner Tomi Rae Hynie.

The musician died from pneumonia on Christmas Day 2006 at the age of 73.

Music rights

His family have been asked to compile a list of possessions they do not want to be sold.

Robert Rosen, a lawyer for Ms Hynie, said the former backing singer had been given some cars by the late star which should not be auctioned.

The 36-year-old, who claims to have been married to Brown at the time of his death, sued in February 2007 after being left out of the will along with their son.

She has contended that she is entitled to half the estate, which includes the soul star's California home set in 60 acres of grounds.

Despite disputing Ms Hynie's marriage claims, Brown's adult children have joined forces with her to remove three trustees who they claim are mismanaging the estate.