The busty blonde launched a legal battle for a $300 million (£200 million) share of oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall's estate prior to her death in 2007, maintaining he promised her the money during their 14-month marriage.

In his will, the 89 year old, who died in 1995, left his entire fortune to his son, E. Pierce Marshall - and Smith's legal advisers have been trying to win a share of the cash ever since.

Their bid was dealt a blow in May (10) when judges at a Los Angeles appeals court ruled a Houston, Texas jury was correct in determining that the oil mogul was mentally fit when he signed his will.

Smith's attorneys have continued to appeal the ruling and took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, where officials decided on Tuesday (28Sep10) to reconsider the result of the Texas hearing.

If Smith's lawyers are triumphant in their battle, any money awarded to the late star's estate will benefit her four-year-old daughter Dannielynn Birkhead, who was named the sole heir of the model's fortune.