From Prince and Aretha Franklin to Amy Winehouse, when fame meets estate planning failure, the lessons can be far-reaching.
When there’s no will: what happens when you leave it to the law?
In 2016, legendary musician Prince died unexpectedly at the age of 57 from a fentanyl overdose. Despite amassing an estate valued at $156 million, he passed away without a will. The result? His vast fortune fell under the “intestacy rules”, and with no spouse or children, the law dictated that his six half-siblings would inherit the estate.
However, things weren’t that straightforward. Three of the six half-siblings sold their shares in Prince’s estate to music rights company Primary Wave, which bought out their rights to Prince’s extensive song catalogue while the remaining three held on to theirs, triggering a six-year legal battle. One of the most contentious issues was the valuation of Prince’s estate, which wasn’t settled until January 2022. The assets were eventually divided among the half-siblings, their advisers, and Primary Wave.
The lesson here is simple but powerful: having a legally binding will in place gives you control over who inherits your estate. In England and Wales, the intestacy rules do not account for unmarried partners or stepchildren, often leaving loved ones excluded. This causes an obvious problem when someone in an unmarried cohabiting relationship dies, as their partner may be left with nothing while distant relatives stand to inherit the whole estate. By having a will in place, individuals can ensure their assets are distributed in accordance with their wishes – avoiding costly, drawn-out disputes.
Scribbles, couches, and courtrooms: when a will isn’t clear
Aretha Franklin passed away in 2018 at the age of 78. At the time of her death her fortune was estimated at $80 million, but this was subsequently revised down due to new valuations and years of unpaid taxes.
Initial reports claimed she had died intestate. Later, two handwritten wills surfaced – one from 2010 found in a locked cabinet, and a second from 2014 discovered in a spiral notebook under her sofa cushions. Both wills were messy, with crossings-out and scribbled notes, and neither was witnessed.
One of her sons disputed the validity of the second will, arguing it was a forgery. The matter went to court in Michigan, where a jury ultimately ruled that the 2014 document was valid under state law, which allows for handwritten (or “holographic”) wills if they are signed and dated.
The outcome would have been very different in England and Wales, where a valid will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses. Franklin’s 2014 will would not have passed legal muster here.
More than just a cautionary tale, Franklin’s case highlights the critical importance of a properly drafted and executed will. Conditions – like her wish that two sons “take business classes” before inheriting – can be problematic if not clearly defined or enforceable. A legal professional can ensure that such conditions are workable and legally sound, often recommending alternative structures such as trusts to achieve the same goal.
The long shadow of exes: can they still make a claim?
Amy Winehouse, one of Britain’s most beloved musical talents, died in 2011 without a will, leaving an estate valued around £3 million. Under the intestacy rules, her estate passed to her parents. However, nearly eight years later, reports surfaced that her ex-husband was pursuing a claim for financial provision, despite having already received a $346,000 (or around £250,000) divorce settlement.
This raises a critical point: even if someone leaves a valid will – or dies without one – certain individuals may still be entitled to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. This includes spouses, civil partners, children, cohabiting partners who have lived together for at least two years, and, in some cases, even ex-spouses (if they have not remarried). While there is usually a time limit of six months from the date of the Grant of Probate, exceptions do occur.
Proper legal advice during will preparation can help identify the risk of potential future claims. In some cases, a carefully drafted letter of wishes can explain the rationale behind decisions and help deter challenges. In others, modest provision for certain individuals may be enough to reduce the risk of a successful claim.
The final act: why getting it right matters
Celebrity cases may seem far removed from everyday experience, but the core issues are universal: unclear wishes, poor documentation, and a lack of professional guidance can leave even the best intentions in tatters. Wills and inheritance disputes are on the rise in the UK, with courts seeing an increasing number of contested estates each year.
Having a will is not enough – it must be properly drafted, legally valid, and carefully structured to reflect your wishes while anticipating any possible disputes. Engaging a solicitor to guide the process is one of the most effective ways to ensure your legacy is protected and your loved ones are spared the uncertainty, legal wrangling, and emotional strain that so often follow poor planning.
Leah Merrifield is a solicitor in the private wealth disputes team at Roythornes Solicitors
