Estate Planning

Estate Planning: A Necessity for Us All

By Hull and Hull LLP

In the early fall of last year I blogged on the death of Tony Curtis. Recently, Curtis' estate has again been the subject of many blogs, newspaper articles and even television shows. It has been reported that Curtis left a Will which named his wife, Jill Vandenberg Curtis, as the sole beneficiary. 

It has been reported that the Will was written only five months before the death of the actor, and somewhat surprisingly cuts out his five surviving children. Jamie Lee Curtis, most notably of Halloween fame, and daughter of Tony Curtis was also left out of the Will. Jamie's disinheritance is not surprising to some, as she had publicly stated that he had been an absent parent.   Despite this apparent rift in their relationship, Jamie gave the eulogy at Curtis' funeral.

A family breakdown leading to disinheritance is not something that makes the average estate litigator flinch. This case is generally no different. However, it is worth noting that the Will specifically names the five surviving children (a son had predeceased Curtis), and states that the disinheritance was done intentionally and that knowingly Curtis choose not to provide for them. The Will was apparently challenged by one of his children, but the contest was denied. 

It seems that Curtis' estate will go to his wife, as his last will and testament directs.

Until Tomorrow,

Nadia M. Harasymowycz - Click here for more information on Nadia Harasymowycz.

Full post as published by Toronto Estate Law Blog on March 16, 2011 (boomark / email).