Robin Williams knew what he was doing. The comedy superstar left a hole in all our hearts when he tragically lost his life last month, and the world of entertainment still doesn’t feel quite the same without him.
But as painful as his loss was, there is at least a silver lining for his friends and family: Williams was incredibly responsible during life in preparing for his death.
Unlike so many other celebrities who die suddenly without an adequate estate plan, Williams reportedly left a comprehensive plan behind. His family didn’t have to look to one another or the courts to sort things out. He took care of that for them.
Celebrity Wills Are More Complicated, But Essentially the Same
Celebrity estates tend to be incredibly complex. They own a lot and sometimes owe a lot. They may also have a number of high-dollar contracts that will continue to benefit their estate even after they pass. So when a superstar dies, there’s simply more ground to cover.
But boiled down to basics, celebrities need the same essential documents the rest of us need:
- Last Will and Testament
- Revocable Trust
- HIPAA authorization
- Powers of Attorney (to cover decisions related to health, mental health, property, and other legal interests)
- Living Will
Even if you aren’t a celebrity, your estate absolutely needs the same careful thought and consideration as anyone else’s. Your family and survivors deserve the kind of foresight that Robin Williams afforded him. A Phoenix estate planning attorney can help.
Why Trusts Are Good Options for Celebrities (And for You)
You’ll notice that Robin Williams included a revocable trust in his estate plan. That was especially wise because it allows his family to forego the probate process, which would have exposed his entire state to public scrutiny. Even for non-celebrities, probate can be a grueling experience. Regardless of the size of your estate, it’s a good idea to talk with a Phoenix estate planning attorney about a revocable trust for your estate.
