Whitney Houston’s estate was worth approximately $20 million when she died – plenty to meet the needs of her only daughter – Bobbi Kristina. Sadly, only a few years after Houston’s death, Bobbi Kristina died as well.
Although Bobbi Kristina’s previous boyfriend, Nick Gordon, is still a suspect in her murder, many say that having access to so much money at a young age was a contributing factor. Sadly, Houston’s estate planning mistakes are all too common.Aunt and Grandmother Say Will Did Not Depict Houston’s IntentionsHouston’s aunt and grandmother filed a lawsuit to re-write the Will as they say it didn’t accurately depict what Whitney really wanted for Bobbi Kristina. They claimed that she was too young to handle so much money.
Although they likely had the best of intentions, probate courts must follow the terms of the actual Will or Trust documents, not what the person who died might have otherwise intended.
Whitney Houston’s Will was created in 1993, specifying that a Trust would be created after she died for any children she may have (so before Bobbi Kristina was even born). Unfortunately, she never updated her Will before she died.
Inheriting Money at a Young Age is Never a Good Idea
Whether this tragedy could have been adverted if Bobbi Kristina’s distributions were delayed until she was older is anyone’s guess. The bottom line is that inheriting large sums of money at a young is generally never a good idea. Although the young beneficiary might be responsible, young people can be easily manipulated by others.
While it’s clear that Houston could have better protected that money with a stronger estate plan, she’s certainly not the only one guilty of not following through. In fact, many of us have the best intentions, but simply don’t make the time to create – and update – proper estate planning documents that can help beneficiaries.
Set Your Beneficiaries Up For Success!
You do have the power to set your young beneficiaries up for success. In most cases, that means creating a Trust that allows them access to money over time and can be managed by someone you trust and has their best interests at heart.
We can provide you with the tools you need to protect your loved ones – whatever your situation may be. As Houston’s case shows, ignoring estate planning issues can have tragic consequences. Contact Goosmann Trust Law Counsel today at (712) 226-4000 and let’s get started protecting you and those you love.
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