Ernie Banks’ caretaker ordered to turn over financial records

A Cook County judge Friday ordered the caretaker of the late Cubs legend Ernie Banks to turn over financial records she had not previously shared with the slugger’s estranged wife.

Regina Rice has to give Liz Banks’ lawyer, Tom Jefson, information about Ernie Banks’ trust account within 30 days.

Rice also has to submit to Jefson records associated with the joint bank account she shared with the baseball player as well as the sale of memorabilia tied to the website she runs, Judge James G. Riley ruled.

Jefson is “entitled” to look at the materials as the women proceed in their dispute over Ernie Banks’ estate, the judge said.

Rice, who was in court Friday, did not comment following the brief hearing that her lawyer, Linda Chatman, described as “procedural.”

Liz Banks was not present.

Both sides will be back in court July 24.

Riley, in March, confirmed the authenticity of a will that left everything to Rice. In February, lawyers for Liz Banks had suggested that Ernie Banks was forced or tricked into disinheriting his relatives.

The fight over Banks’ estate started just days after his death on Jan. 23. He was 83.