Celebrity Estates: Wills of the Rich and Famous

Who inherits an estate when someone has no children, and what happens when family members disagree with the decisions? For financial advisors and estate planning attorneys, these questions can lead to difficult conversations about family expectations, charitable giving and potential inheritance disputes. A client’s wishes may seem clear, but without the right conversations and documentation, those decisions can leave relatives with unanswered questions. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Nina Dow, partner at Bowditch & Dewey LLP, about estate planning without children, family expectations, and the discussions that help clarify a person’s wishes. David and Nina discuss how estate plans can become vulnerable to family disputes when beneficiary decisions don’t match relatives’ expectations. Nina explains why attorneys should understand and document a client’s intentions, particularly when inheritances are unequal or substantial assets are left outside the family. David and Nina also examine why dividing a family property equally can leave practical questions unresolved, how private attorney meetings help assess potential undue influence, and why changes deserve attention before a health crisis. Their discussion also considers the role of financial advisors in identifying assets, confirming ownership details, and coordinating with estate planning attorneys so the plan reflects both the client’s finances and family relationships. Key points: How estate planning without children brings decisions about relatives, charities, and other beneficiaries Why documenting the reasons for unequal inheritances helps explain choices relatives may later question How discussing a shared family property can clarify whether heirs want to keep, rent, or sell the home Why private meetings with an attorney help assess a client’s wishes and potential third-party influence How financial advisors and estate planning attorneys can coordinate asset details and family concerns Resources: Listen to Celebrity Estates on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify Trust and Estates Magazine Connect With David Lenok: [email protected]  Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Lenok LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Nina Dow: LinkedIn: Nina T. Dow LinkedIn: Bowditch & Dewey, LLP Website: Bowditch & Dewey About Our Guest: Nina Dow is a Partner at Bowditch & Dewey in the firm’s Estate, Financial & Tax Planning practice area. Extremely passionate about her work, she strives to empower clients by helping them understand the law. Nina is a practical-minded problem solver with a preference for simplicity whenever feasible. She focuses her practice on planning to minimize transfer taxes, including estate and tax planning that involves charitable giving, business succession planning, the representation of corporate and individual fiduciaries, and planning for individuals with special needs. In addition to helping clients create an estate plan, Nina’s tax practice involves working closely with families to prepare state and federal estate tax returns following the death of a loved one. Her creative and strategic approach to estate taxation brings the best results possible for estate and trust beneficiaries. Nina also thrives on handling the complexity of estate administration in a timely fashion. Sensitive to the experience related to the loss of a family member, she settles the deceased’s affairs in a way that prevents added stress for clients. Outside of the office, Nina is active in leadership roles in the legal profession. She is a co-founder and board member of the Arab American Bar Association of Massachusetts and serves on the organization’s Mentorship Committee. She is also co-chair of the Tax, Trusts and Estates Section of the Worcester County Bar Association and serves on the Executive Committee of the Estate and Business Planning Council of Worcester County. Nina was also among the top Central Massachusetts executives invited to be an Instructor for the inaugural Women’s Executive Academy, an eight-month program created by The Graduate School, Nichols College in partnership with the Worcester Business Journal that offers up-and-coming women professionals the skills and training needed to achieve their full potential as business leaders. For her dedication to mentoring younger attorneys, especially women, the Women’s Bar Association named Nina an Emerging Women Leaders in the Law Honoree in 2024.

What happens to an inheritance when a beneficiary is accused of killing the person who left it to them? In this replay episode of Celebrity Estates, revisit Senior Editor David Lenok’s conversation with Sean Weissbart, partner and co-chair of the Tax Benefits and Private Client Practice Group at Blank Rome, examining the estate planning issues surrounding Rob Reiner’s estate. David and Sean explore how slayer statutes function, why probate courts can rely on civil standards rather than criminal convictions, and how intent and mental state may influence inheritance outcomes. Sean explains how being treated as predeceased can redirect assets, how an insanity defense may affect eligibility to inherit, and why simultaneous death rules and community property laws matter when spouses die close in time. Revisit this conversation with David Lenok and Sean Weissbart for a closer look at the estate planning lessons behind rare legal scenarios and why thoughtful planning matters when the unexpected occurs. Key takeaways: How slayer statutes prevent financial benefit after intentional and felonious killing Why civil standards of proof differ from criminal convictions in estate matters How predeceased treatment redirects inheritances to alternate beneficiaries The role of insanity defenses, trusts, and fiduciaries in inheritance outcomes Why simultaneous death provisions and planning details can reshape asset flow Resources: Listen to Celebrity Estates on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify Trust and Estates Magazine Connect With David Lenok: [email protected]  Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Lenok LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Sean Weissbart: LinkedIn: Sean Weissbart LinkedIn: Blank Rome Website: Blank Rome About Our Guest: As one of the most regarded millennial estate planners in the country, Sean plays an integral role in the lives of his clients, working together to create legacies that are tax-efficient and responsive to the unique needs of each family. On Sean’s practice and style, Chambers USA quotes a client saying that “Sean Weissbart is a very creative estate tax lawyer, and he’s always looking to provide a fuller package than just documents. He cares quite a bit about his bedside manner, and it shows.” Another states, “There are three things that stand out about Sean. First is his ability to accommodate clients, second is his passion for the work he does, and third is his empathy.” Clients turn to Sean to handle all aspects of estate planning, the administration of trusts and estates, and the representation of beneficiaries and fiduciaries in contested matters in Surrogate’s Court. Sean’s extensive experience includes advising international families on the impact of U.S. tax laws on their wealth. In international estate matters, Sean assists non-citizens with domestic assets navigate the complicated rules surrounding the tax-efficient transfer of their wealth and counsels U.S. citizens facing income tax issues related to their beneficial interest in foreign trusts.   Sean also represents clients on matrimonial matters, including the negotiation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and trust modifications following divorce. In addition to his law practice, Sean serves as an adjunct professor of law at New York University School of Law, where he teaches Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, International Estate Planning, and Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving. He is an author of the law school textbook The Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, a fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and a regular speaker at the nation’s most prestigious tax conferences. He gives back to the community through many philanthropic endeavors including his service on the board of the Ment’or BKB Foundation and as event chair of the Trusts and Estates Committee of the UJA Federation of New York, having raised millions of dollars to assist those in need.

What should planners consider when an irrevocable trust no longer fits the family it was designed to serve? For estate planning professionals advising families with closely held businesses, that question can become especially difficult when beneficiaries have different roles, financial interests and ideas about the company’s future. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Mark Parthemer, Chief Wealth Strategist at Glenmede Trust Company, about the Murdoch family trust dispute and what it can teach advisors and families about irrevocable trust planning. Using the fight over control of Rupert Murdoch’s media companies as a starting point, Mark explains why an irrevocable trust may sometimes be modified, why changing personal preferences usually isn’t enough, and how combining equal economic interests with equal voting rights can create problems when only some family members are involved in the business. David and Mark also examine the difference between family governance and legal control, ways trust protectors and decanting provisions can provide flexibility, and why estate plans can become outdated as families change. Their conversation also covers privacy, revocable trusts and the importance of thinking carefully about how a trust should respond to circumstances that may look very different decades into the future. Mark discusses: Why irrevocable trusts can sometimes be modified, but changing personal preferences usually isn’t enough How equal economic value and equal control can create conflict when only one child works in the family business Why family governance can guide relationships, while the written trust terms still determine legal control How trust protectors, decanting powers and other mechanisms can create room for future family changes Why privacy can be a planning goal, and when a revocable trust may address it without extra complexity Resources: Listen to Celebrity Estates on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify Trust and Estates Magazine Connect With David Lenok: [email protected]  Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Lenok LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Mark Parthemer: LinkedIn: Mark Parthemer LinkedIn: Glenmede Website: Glenmede About Our Guest: Mark Parthemer is Glenmede Trust Company’s National Chief Wealth Strategist. He is responsible for developing and communicating Glenmede’s position and strategy concerning tax, estate planning, and fiduciary matters pertinent to clients and their advisors. Prior to joining Glenmede, Mr. Parthemer served as managing director for TIAA and managing director and senior fiduciary counsel for Bessemer Trust, working with ultra-high-net-worth clients to deliver sophisticated tax and estate planning advice and provide tailored guidance. His previous roles include law partner at Duane Morris, LLP, and senior tax professional at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Parthemer is on the board of directors of the Florida Bankers Association and immediate past president of its Trust and Wealth Management Division. He is also group vice chair for the American Bar Association, RPTE Trusts and Estate Practice Group.

Couples often treat prenuptial agreements as something to worry about only if a marriage ends, but many of the most useful decisions happen long before that possibility ever arises. The process can bring financial expectations, family responsibilities and future planning into the open while both people are still working toward the same goals. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Paul Karger, co-founder and managing partner at TwinFocus, about the role prenuptial agreements can play in marriage, estate planning and family wealth decisions. Using the recent marriage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce as a starting point, Paul explains why prenups can help couples clarify ownership, protect individual assets and reduce the chance of costly disputes if circumstances change. David and Paul also examine why both parties need full financial disclosure and separate legal representation, how prenups should coordinate with trusts and estate plans, and why couples need to follow the agreement after the wedding when buying property or combining assets. Their conversation also looks at postnuptial agreements, tax considerations, family governance and the value of beginning these discussions well before the wedding date. Key takeaways: Why prenuptial agreements can provide clarity for both spouses before marriage How full financial disclosure and separate legal counsel support a fair process Why prenups need to align with trusts, estate plans, and family wealth structures How future purchases and shared assets should remain consistent with the agreement Why starting the process early gives couples time for thoughtful discussion and negotiation Resources: Listen to Celebrity Estates on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify Trust and Estates Magazine Connect With David Lenok: [email protected]  Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Lenok LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Paul Karger: LinkedIn: Paul Karger LinkedIn: TwinFocus Website: TwinFocus About Our Guest: Known for his discretion, global perspective, extensive worldwide network, and ability to solve complex challenges, Paul serves as a trusted confidant to a select group of families navigating the multifaceted demands of wealth, legacy, and cross-border complexity. He is often the first call for clients confronting high-stakes financial and personal decisions where judgment, nuance, and confidentiality are essential. Paul earned a B.S. in Engineering from Boston University, which recognized him with its Outstanding Alumni Award in 2012. Earlier in his career, he founded The Karger Group at UBS and began in investment banking at Leerink. Beyond TwinFocus, Paul co-founded and serves as Foundation Board President of Bridge Boston Charter School. Paul also serves on the boards of Level Ground and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Appointed by Governor Charlie Baker, he chaired the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission from 2016 to 2022. A lifelong martial artist, he actively trains and competes in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Jeet Kune Do.

Families often assume everything will work itself out after a major loss, until unanswered questions and outdated decisions start creating confusion. The hardest part usually isn’t the paperwork itself, it’s the conversations that never happened beforehand. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Brad Repinsky, director of estate, tax and financial planning at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors, about the estate planning lessons connected to Heath Ledger’s story.  Using Ledger’s outdated will as a starting point, Brad explains why estate plans should evolve alongside marriages, children, shifting family relationships and changing financial circumstances. David and Brad also discuss the importance of involving spouses and adult children in financial conversations earlier, how beneficiary designations can unintentionally disrupt a carefully structured plan, and why simplifying accounts can make estate administration easier for surviving family members. Their conversation highlights how ongoing reviews and open communication can help families avoid unnecessary stress later on. Key takeaways: Why outdated wills and beneficiary designations can create confusion after major family changes How annual estate planning reviews help families adjust to life, tax and wealth transitions Why involving spouses and adult children early can reduce conflict and confusion later on How advisors can approach difficult family conversations without creating fear or resistance Why simplifying accounts and estate structures can ease stress for surviving family members Resources: Listen to Celebrity Estates on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify Trust and Estates Magazine Connect With David Lenok: [email protected]  Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Lenok LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Brad Repinsky: LinkedIn: Brad Repinsky LinkedIn: Signature Estate & Investment Advisors Website: Signature Estate & Investment Advisors About Our Guest: Brad Repinsky is the Director of Estate, Tax, and Financial Planning at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors, where he works with high-net-worth families on estate planning, wealth transfer, and long-term financial planning strategies. His work focuses on helping families navigate topics such as beneficiary designations, trust structures, retirement planning, and multi-generational wealth conversations. Brad is particularly passionate about helping clients simplify complex financial situations and create plans that evolve alongside changing family dynamics and life events.