When it comes to planning your legacy, one of the most overlooked—but incredibly important—steps is making sure your wishes are clearly documented and legally sound. Without a well-crafted estate plan, families are left to navigate grief, confusion, and sometimes bitter disputes. These disagreements can last for years, cost thousands in legal fees, and permanently damage relationships.
That’s where advanced proper planning helps prevent family fights and estate contests. In Jacksonville and throughout Florida, estate planning tools like wills and trusts not only protect your assets, but they also protect your loved ones from the turmoil of legal battles.
Celebrities are particularly prone to estate drama due to the size of their estates and notoriety. After the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, headlines buzzed with speculation. Hackman’s will placed all his assets into a living trust last amended in 2005. However, his estranged children—who weren’t mentioned in the will—could still challenge the estate.
Legal experts pointed out that Hackman’s children might invoke an old New Mexico Supreme Court ruling that allows a trust or will to be overturned if “suspicious circumstances” exist. These include undue influence, secrecy, or a drastic change from previous estate documents.
This potential dispute illustrates a key lesson for Jacksonville residents: without current, transparent, and well-communicated estate documents, even a solid plan can unravel in court. And when it does, it’s not just about money—it’s about emotional fallout among surviving family members.
When someone passes away without a clearly defined and updated estate plan, confusion can breed resentment. Maybe one child was left out of the will, or another disagrees with how the executor is handling the estate. These disagreements quickly spiral out of control.
In the case of Hackman, although he had a will with an appointed executor who is tasked with managing the estate after death, this individual does not have absolute power to decide how the inheritance will be divided. The executor must act in the best interests of the estate and the beneficiaries. If there’s a dispute, it’s not the executor who gets the final say. It’s the probate court.
That’s important. If your estate plan isn’t drafted properly or leaves out key information, your family could end up in probate court, facing delays, added expenses, and emotionally draining disputes.
When a will or trust is written with clear, legally sound language, there’s far less room for misinterpretation. Naming specific beneficiaries and explaining how and why your assets are being distributed can help prevent feelings of favoritism or betrayal.
A properly funded living trust allows your estate to bypass the Florida probate system entirely—a process that’s public, time-consuming, and expensive. Your loved ones gain access to what you’ve left them without needing court approval, reducing stress and delays.
Choosing a neutral trustee or co-trustee, especially one outside of the family, can minimize the perception of bias and help keep the peace during asset distribution.
Some estate plans include “no-contest” clauses that penalize beneficiaries who try to challenge the will or trust without good reason. These can be effective deterrents against frivolous lawsuits that could pit family members against each other. It is noted that “no-contest” clauses are not enforceable in Florida.
Disputes don’t always stem from money. A cherished heirloom, family photo, or piece of jewelry can cause major disagreements. A good estate plan includes a personal property memorandum or similar directive to spell out who gets what—even the small stuff. Read more on Wills & Trusts in our article, Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning: Facts You Should Know
Even with legal structures in place, families can still contest a plan—especially when large sums or perceived injustices are involved. The lesson here is clear: beyond setting up the legal documents, communication matters. Discuss your wishes while you’re alive. Explain your reasoning if one child is receiving more or less. Get professional guidance from a qualified Jacksonville estate planning attorney to avoid common pitfalls.
At Legacy Planning Law Group, we believe that planning your estate shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all process. We help families in Jacksonville create customized wills and trusts that reflect your values and help keep the peace when you’re gone.
A thoughtful estate plan isn’t just about assets. It’s about preserving family harmony and protecting your loved ones from future hardship. Schedule a discovery call with Team Legacy to learn how we can help craft a plan that protects the family’s future harmony even in the most complicated situations.
References: New York Post (March 23, 2025) “How Gene Hackman’s estranged kids could lay claim to his $80 million fortune” and Kiplinger (April 2024) “Nine Lessons to Be Learned From the Hilton Family Trust Contest”
