For many people, the idea that you would leave your children, grandchildren and other relatives out of your will is something you would never contemplate. For others, disinheritance is a much more common reality. Though there is no one answer as to why someone would choose to disinherit his or her family, there is also no law that forces you to leave property to your children and descendents. There are several well-known cases where celebrities have disinherited at least some of their family members. Let’s take a look at a few of the more well-known instances.
- Michael Jackson. After his death in 2009, it was revealed that Michael Jackson created a family trust that named his children and his mother as beneficiaries. He also appointed his mother, Catherine, as the guardian of his children. His father, brothers, and sisters, however, were completely left out of the trust and his will.
- Marlon Brando: When he died in 2004, Marlon Brando left behind a $30 million estate, as well as a grandson by his deceased daughter Cheyenne. However, Mr. Brando left none of his estate to his grandson, or to another one of his daughters. However, Mr. Brando did leave his other children at least a portion of his estate.
- Joan Crawford. The infamous subject of the film Mommy Dearest, Joan Crawford had four adopted children. After her death, she left two of these children only $77,500 each, while the other two adopted children she left nothing. She also famously included a line in her will explaining her gifts, stating she was doing so “for reasons which should be well known to them.”
Clients notice Michael Robinson’s unique approach to his estate planning practice the minute they walk through his office doors.
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