Probate Wars of the Rich and Famous: An Insider's Guide to Estate Planning and Probate Litigation

Surrogate Court dockets are filled with cases involving family members fighting over the assets and intentions of a deceased parent or spouse. Probate Wars of the Rich and Famous: An Insider’s Guide to Estate Planning and Probate Litigation tracks the estate litigation cases of Anna Nicole Smith, Brooke Astor, Michael Jackson, Nina Wang, Jerry Garcia, and Leona Helmsley and identifies the five universal factors that caused such disputes. Each chapter provides estate planning insights designed to help individuals plan their estates without causing litigation. If, however, probate litigation cannot be avoided, the book also provides invaluable lessons about undue influence claims, how to remove a fiduciary, and how to demand estate accounting and investigation of claims seeking to set aside lifetime transfers that undermine the decedent’s intentions. Few―if any―estate planning books utilize colorful celebrity accounts to provide meaningful insights and actionable advice.

Praise for Probate Wars of the Rich & Famous

“If you want a treasure trove of good counsel, a fresh, creative and novel approach to legacy building, or just to be entertained―read this book.”
―H. Edward Wilkin III, CPA

“If the author’s objective was to encourage readers to think about their own legacies and educate readers about the estates of the rich and famous―with a healthy dose of comedic surprises―then Fishkind has accomplished his objective.”
―Leslie E. Streitfeld, CLU, ChFC, CEP, LUTCF, RFC

“Fishkind’s Probate Wars is entertaining, educational from a historical perspective, and very instructive from a legal and practical perspective.”
―Marshall Paul, Esq.

“Russell Fishkind did a magnificent job putting a spotlight on his ‘legacy lessons’ by using the very public disasters of the rich and famous. A humorous look at a serious topic.”
―William McDevitt, CPA

“Don’t be caught dead without reading Probate Wars of the Rich and Famous!”
―William L. Melillo, Jr., President, OIC

“A truly unique look at the lives and deaths of Anna Nicole, Michael Jackson, Jerry Garcia, Brooke Astor and Leona Helmsley through lenses I had never worn. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bravo!”
―Linda Hanley, President, NJALS

“An outstanding take on how life’s journeys can be undermined by ineffective estate planning. If a family’s battling over the assets of a departed soul, Fishkind gives the reader terrific practical advice. Well done.”
―Erik Wildstein, President, The Wildstein Group