digital estate planning

February 6 2026

The $12 Million Maltese: What the Leona Helmsley Case Teaches Us About Pet Trusts and Legacy

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The $12 Million Maltese What the Leona Helmsley Case Teaches Us About Pet Trusts and Legacy

We’ve all heard the tabloid headlines: “The Queen of Mean Leaves Millions to Her Dog.” While it sounds like a plot from a movie, the estate of Leona Helmsley is one of the most significant cautionary tales in modern estate planning.

In our latest episode of Plan for This, Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald dig past the sensationalism to uncover the legal realities of what happens when your estate plan looks more like a “bomb” dropped behind you than a gift for those you leave behind.

Can You Really Leave Your Fortune to a Pet?

The short answer is: No, but you can fund their care.. Under the law, pets are considered “chattel” or items of ownership. They cannot sign checks, open bank accounts, or own property.

However, as Marguerite explains, modern law (including California’s specific pet trust statutes) allows you to create a Pet Trust. This legal tool ensures:

A Human Guardian is Appointed: Someone must be legally responsible for the animal’s daily needs.

Specific Funding: You can set aside funds for food, grooming, and security—just as Helmsley did for her dog, Trouble.

Oversight: A trustee ensures the guardian is actually using the money for the pet’s benefit

The Danger of “Control from the Grave”

The Helmsley case became a legal nightmare not because she loved her dog, but because she used her $4 billion estate to settle scores with her family. By disinheriting grandchildren and creating unusual conditions for others to receive their inheritance (like visiting a father’s grave once a year), she invited a massive legal challenge.

The court eventually ruled that Helmsley was mentally unfit when she executed her will, leading to a massive reduction in the dog’s trust fund and the redistribution of millions to the very family members she tried to cut out.

Three Lessons for Your Own Estate Plan

Capacity is Key: If you plan on making “unusual” requests or disinheriting family, don’t just tell your attorney—get a doctor’s letter. Proving mental competence at the time of signing is your best defense against future litigation.
Think About the “Remainder”: What happens to the money when your pet passes away?. A well-drafted plan designates a charity (like the Humane Society) to receive the remaining funds.
Be “Loving from the Grave”: Ask yourself: How do I want to be remembered?. A legacy of thoughtfulness and support is far more powerful than one of control and resentmen

Are You Ready to Plan for This?

Whether you have a pampered Maltese or a Macaw that might outlive you by 50 years, your plan needs to be clear, legal, and compassionate. Don’t leave your legacy to chance—or to the courts.

👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence.

January 21 2026

Recovering with Dignity: How to Build a Care Team on Your Terms

Recovering with Dignity How to Build a Care Team on Your Terms

When life throws a major health curveball—like the listener in our latest episode who suffered a shattered pelvis in a skiing accident—the first instinct is often to “just handle it.” But as Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald discuss, true independence during recovery comes from having the right team in place.

Why Your Estate Plan is Your First Line of Defense

It might seem counterintuitive to call a lawyer after a physical injury, but as Marguerite emphasizes, “your life has changed; your body has changed in a significant way.” A major health shift is a signal that your current documents may no longer reflect your needs for care, authority, or financial management. Your estate plan isn’t just about what happens later—it’s about how you are cared for now.

The “Logistics Officer” vs. The “Bedside Helper”

The most critical distinction for anyone facing a health crisis is the difference between a Care Manager and a Caregiver:

The Care Manager: A certified professional (often found through the Aging Life Care Association) who handles the logistics. They perform home safety assessments, coordinate with doctors, and supervise the people coming in and out of your house.

The Caregiver: The person providing direct physical assistance with bathing, cooking, laundry, and daily chores.

By hiring an independent care manager, you gain an advocate who can swap caregiving agencies if the “fit” isn’t right, ensuring you aren’t stuck with someone who doesn’t match your personality or needs.

The “4-Hour Test” for Independence

If you are hesitant to let a stranger into your home, try the “Test Drive” approach. Hire a caregiver for just four hours to assist with one specific task, like a grocery run. Let them drive and push the cart while you direct exactly what to buy.

This simple exercise proves that you can accept help while remaining the CEO of your life. It’s about ensuring your life continues on your terms, even when you are on the mend.

Are You Ready to Plan for This?

Don’t wait for a crisis to find your team. Visit CareManager.org to find resources and join our PlanFan community for more expert guidance.

December 17 2025

Tony Hsieh’s Estate | What Happens When You Die Without a Will? | Plan for This Ep. 14

Tony Hsieh’s Estate What Happens When You Die Without a Will

Tony Hsieh, the visionary founder of Zappos, was known for creativity, generosity, and unconventional thinking. But when he died without a will or trust, his estate became a cautionary tale of what happens when legacy planning is left undone. In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron explore how even extraordinary success cannot protect a family from probate court when legal documents are missing.

Tony’s parents were left navigating years of court proceedings, public filings, disputed assets, and unanswered questions about ownership and intent. From handwritten notes to real estate purchased for friends, the absence of formal planning created confusion that no amount of goodwill could resolve.

This case study highlights why estate planning matters for everyone, especially entrepreneurs, creators, and individuals with digital assets and intellectual property.

What Happens When You Die Without a Will

Dying without a will, known as dying intestate, triggers a court-controlled process that decides who receives assets and who has authority. Marguerite explains that probate court follows statutory rules, not personal wishes, no matter how clear those wishes may have seemed in conversation.

In Tony Hsieh’s case, the lack of a will meant his estate became public record. Court filings exposed asset values, property holdings, debts, and disputes, creating prolonged stress for his parents. Probate is slow, expensive, and emotionally draining, especially when the estate is large or complex.

Ron emphasizes that probate also strips families of privacy. Anyone can access filings, and media attention can amplify the pain. This is why trusts exist, to move assets privately and efficiently without court intervention.

Why Informal Records Don’t Work

Tony reportedly left behind handwritten notes, sticky reminders, and verbal assurances to friends. While meaningful emotionally, these forms of communication rarely carry legal weight.

Marguerite explains that courts require clarity, structure, and enforceable documents. Informal records create ambiguity, opening the door to disputes and litigation. In probate, intention must be proven, not assumed.

This is especially problematic when assets include real estate, investments, or business interests. Without formal documentation, families are forced to interpret intent under legal scrutiny, often leading to conflict and prolonged court involvement.

Digital Passwords and Modern Estate Planning

One of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning is digital access. Tony’s case highlights how passwords, online accounts, and digital assets can become locked forever without proper planning.

Ron and Marguerite discuss the importance of password managers, digital inventories, and clear access instructions. From banking apps to cryptocurrency wallets to intellectual property accounts, digital assets now represent real value.

Without access, families may lose money, data, or creative work permanently. Estate plans must evolve to include digital realities, not just physical assets.

Intellectual Property and Entrepreneur Estates

Tony Hsieh’s legacy included more than money. His ideas, brand associations, and intellectual contributions carried ongoing value. Marguerite explains that intellectual property must be addressed explicitly in estate plans.

Creators, founders, and entrepreneurs often forget that copyrights, trademarks, and licensing rights survive death. Without instructions, IP can be mismanaged, undervalued, or lost entirely.

This section underscores why estate planning is not just about “stuff,” but about preserving the work, ideas, and impact a person leaves behind.

Tony Hsieh’s estate reminds us that success, intelligence, and good intentions cannot replace formal planning. Without a will or trust, families are left navigating courts, public scrutiny, and unresolved questions during moments of grief.

Estate planning protects privacy, preserves relationships, and ensures your legacy reflects your values rather than statutory defaults. Whether you are an entrepreneur, creator, or simply someone who cares about the people you love, planning ahead is an act of responsibility.

December 4 2025

What Matters Most | Using Go Wish Cards to Clarify Your End-of-Life Wishes

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What Matters Most Using Go Wish Cards to Clarify Your End-of-Life Wishes

Most people avoid talking about what they want at the end of life, not because they do not care, but because they do not know how to begin. The Go Wish card deck provides a simple, humane way to open this conversation. In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron walk through these cards and explore the deep, personal priorities they reveal from relief from pain to being surrounded by loved ones, to maintaining dignity even in decline.

Rather than centering on fear or loss, the Go Wish tool encourages families to talk about values, preferences, and what truly matters. It turns a silent, stressful topic into a thoughtful, honest exchange. This episode shows how end-of-life planning can be an act of love, easing the burden on caregivers and bringing peace to the person facing the end of life.

Why End-of-Life Wishes Matter More Than We Realize

End-of-life decisions can become chaotic when no one knows what the person truly wants. Families argue, siblings disagree, partners make assumptions, and healthcare providers are forced to guess. The emotional cost is enormous.

Marguerite explains that end-of-life wishes are not simply medical decisions they reflect identity, values, and the person’s sense of dignity. Whether someone prioritizes spiritual connection, being at home, minimizing pain, or reconciling with family, these preferences are deeply human and deserve to be expressed clearly.

Ron shares stories from real cases where clarity prevented trauma. In some families, loved ones found great comfort knowing exactly what the person wanted. In others, the absence of guidance created guilt and lasting conflict.

This section grounds the conversation in compassion: we plan not to prevent death, but to reduce suffering for both the person and the people who love them.

How the Go Wish Cards Work and Why They Help

The Go Wish deck contains cards representing common end-of-life priorities such as:

Relief from pain
Maintaining dignity
Being with family
Having music or comfort
Resolving unfinished business
Feeling spiritually at peace
Having caregivers who understand your wishes

The brilliance of the tool is its simplicity. Instead of asking someone open-ended questions about dying, which can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable, the cards give concrete choices that prompt reflection.

Marguerite notes how couples, siblings, and even adult children and parents use the cards to discover wishes they never knew each other had. Ron points out that the deck often opens the door to emotional honesty — something many families struggle to access without prompting.

This approach keeps conversations grounded, safe, and manageable, creating a shared language for decisions that may one day be urgent.

Hard Conversations Made Easier: Examples from Real Life

Marguerite recalls clients who wished they had known what their parents wanted before a crisis occurred. Families often say, “I hope I did the right thing,” long after decisions are made. The burden of guessing can be heartbreaking.

Ron shares stories of people who prioritized humor at the end of life, or who wanted classical music playing, or who desperately wanted to avoid prolonged medical intervention. These simple insights transformed how families showed love and support.

The hosts emphasize that the cards help uncover desires that go beyond medical directives. They reveal emotional, relational, and spiritual needs. By exploring these proactively, families build trust rather than tension, and difficult moments become more peaceful and grounded in the person’s true wishes.

Why “Family Harmony” Requires Clarity, Not Guesswork

One of the most important insights from this episode is that end-of-life planning protects family relationships. When people have different interpretations of what “Mom would have wanted,” tension rises quickly.

Healthcare agents need clear guidance to make decisions with confidence. Adult children need reassurance that they are honoring their parent’s wishes. Spouses need direction so they are not left carrying the emotional burden alone.

Marguerite reiterates that clarity is the greatest gift we can give our families. Ron adds that these conversations create opportunities for healing especially in families with past estrangements or unresolved conflict.

End-of-life planning is one of the most profound and loving acts we can perform. It provides clarity, prevents conflict, and helps families navigate an emotionally charged period with confidence and compassion. The Go Wish cards offer a simple, accessible tool to articulate what truly matters when choices become difficult.

Whether you are supporting aging parents, preparing for your own future, or helping a spouse understand your wishes, now is the time to have these conversations. They build trust, reduce fear, and ensure that care aligns with your values.

In essence, the Go Wish deck becomes a tool for emotional reconciliation as much as practical planning.

November 26 2025

Do Not Ignore Your Mortality | A Conversation with Author Greg Barnsdale

Do Not Ignore Your Mortality A Conversation with Author Greg Barnsdale

Most people avoid talking about mortality. They push off decisions, delay paperwork, and tell themselves they will “get to it later.” In this emotional and practical episode of Plan for This, Marguerite sits down with Greg Barnsdale, author of Do Not Ignore Your Mortality, to explore why early planning matters, not only for ourselves, but for the people we love.

Greg shares how his mission to help others prepare for life’s inevitable transitions became deeply personal after a sudden brain tumor diagnosis. His insights reveal how quickly life can shift, how unprepared many families are for crisis, and how much peace of mind comes from getting affairs in order now rather than later.

Whether you are building your first estate plan, revising an old one, or navigating blended family dynamics, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and actionable steps to secure your legacy.

Why Most People Avoid Talking About Mortality

Many people know they should prepare for the future, however they struggle to face their own mortality. Greg and Marguerite discuss how fear, guilt, superstition, and avoidance shape people’s decisions. Some worry that talking about death will “invite” it, others simply feel overwhelmed by paperwork, legal terms, or family dynamics.

Greg explains that the real barrier is usually emotional, not technical. Planning forces us to acknowledge that life is uncertain, that relationships are fragile, and that our time is limited. This emotional resistance is normal, however it becomes dangerous when it prevents us from organizing documents, clarifying wishes, or choosing the right people to step in when needed.

By naming these fears, Greg helps listeners understand that avoidance does not protect anyone, it simply transfers the burden to loved ones later. The first act of planning is giving yourself permission to be honest about what you want your legacy to look like.

The Moment Everything Shifted: Greg’s Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Shortly after publishing Do Not Ignore Your Mortality, Greg received life-changing news. Doctors discovered a large brain tumor that required immediate treatment. The diagnosis was unexpected, shocking, and deeply humbling, yet it also affirmed his core message: life does not wait until we are ready.

Greg shares how this moment clarified his priorities. Planning ahead was no longer a philosophical exercise, it was survival. Because he had already organized his documents, outlined his wishes, and assigned roles to the right people, he could focus entirely on treatment and healing.

Marguerite notes that sudden medical events often expose the gaps in planning. Families scramble for passwords, insurance information, beneficiary designations, and essential documents. They argue, panic, or freeze. Greg’s story demonstrates the opposite, when your house is in order, crisis does not become chaos.

This portion of the conversation is vulnerable and honest, encouraging listeners to act now rather than wait for a scare.

Blended Families and the Complexity of Modern Estate Plans

Estate planning becomes more complex when dealing with blended families, second marriages, or adult children from previous relationships. Greg and Marguerite highlight common issues such as:

Competing expectations between biological and step-family members
Choosing successor trustees who can remain neutral
Balancing new relationships with long established obligations
Ensuring clear communication so no one feels blindsided

They emphasize that blended families must be even more intentional than traditional families. Without clarity, conflict is almost guaranteed later. Greg explains that planning conversations should center on values, fairness, and respect rather than assumptions or outdated ideas of inheritance.

Marguerite adds that successor trustees should be chosen based on temperament, integrity, and availability, not tradition or birth order. The goal is not to honor someone’s feelings in the moment, but to choose the person who can handle the responsibility years from now without bias.

The Modern Must-Haves: Digital Access, Passwords, and Paperwork

In today’s world, estate planning goes beyond wills and trusts. Greg and Marguerite discuss the modern essentials every family needs, such as:

Password lists
Digital access instructions
Online account management
Healthcare directives
Updated beneficiaries
Lists of subscriptions and autopay services
Location of important documents

Greg stresses that most families fall apart during crisis not because they lack love, but because they lack information. When documents are incomplete or scattered, families lose days, weeks, or even months trying to gather what they need.

The goal is simple: make your plan easy to find, easy to understand, and easy to follow. This reduces stress, confusion, and conflict when loved ones are already overwhelmed.

Facing mortality can be uncomfortable, however it becomes much easier when we understand it as a gift to those we love. Greg Barnsdale’s story reminds us that life can change in an instant, yet preparing ahead of time protects our families from stress and conflict.

Whether you are navigating a blended family, handling digital assets, or choosing a successor trustee, the best time to begin your plan is before a crisis — not after.

If you want guidance, community, and tools that help you stay organized, consider becoming a PlanFan today.