Estate planning might not feel glamorous, but when the spotlight’s on a loved one’s passing, the absence of a will can become painfully visible. Dying without a will — known in legal terms as intestacy — can turn what would have been a private family matter into a public, messy, and expensive legal saga. Even celebrities aren’t exempt.

What is intestacy?

When someone dies without a valid will, the rules of intestate succession take over. Instead of the deceased’s own wishes, statutory rules decide who gets what. These rules vary widely by country and region. Because the person didn’t document their preferences, their loved ones may find themselves caught up in legal proceedings, with unexpected beneficiaries, unexpected exclusions, and perhaps a large slice of the estate eaten up by legal fees.

Why does it matter?

No will means no clear roadmap: Loved ones may not know who was intended to inherit.
Unintended beneficiaries – or no beneficiaries at all: Under intestacy rules, some people you thought would inherit may be excluded; while others you never imagined may find themselves in.
Legal costs & delays: Resolving a large estate without a will may involve protracted court cases, administrative headaches and expensive fees.
Royal-style drama: As you’ll see below, when a celebrity dies intestate, the public often sees the chaos that could have been mostly prevented.

Real-life celebrity examples

Prince (1958–2016)
The music icon died without leaving a will. As a result, the question of who his heirs were became a tangled affair — more than 45 people came forward claiming to be heirs. The estate’s value was reported in the tens of millions and would have been settled much more cleanly with proper planning.

Aretha Franklin (1942–2018)
Known as “The Queen of Soul”, she died without a will, leaving an estate worth up to ≈ US$80 million. With no formal document of her wishes, her four sons, a niece and the government (via unpaid taxes) all entered the arena.

Howard Hughes (1905–1976)
An eccentric billionaire, film producer and aviation pioneer, Hughes died without a will (or at least without a valid one) despite his vast fortune. The claimants stretched far and wide, filling the court registries with distant relatives.

Stieg Larsson (1954–2004)
The Swedish author, best known for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, died intestate. His long-term partner of 32 years was excluded from inheriting under Swedish law and his estate passed to his father and brother instead.

Lessons we can all learn

• It’s not just for the ultra-rich. Even if you think “my estate isn’t large,” the emotional and financial toll of intestacy can be serious.
• Update your will. An old or invalid will may not reflect current relationships or assets.
• Be clear on your wishes. If you intend someone to inherit (spouse, partner, child, charity) it’s far safer to document it.
• Local laws matter. In the UK (and elsewhere) intestacy rules may not favour an unmarried partner, a friend, or someone you care about unless you made provisions. The celebrity stories above often highlight that gap.
• Don’t assume “it’ll pass to the family.” Surprise claimants, contested estates, tax liabilities and legal fees can all eat into what was intended as a legacy.

The stars may shine bright, but their estates don’t sparkle when legal paperwork is missing. Whether rich and famous or not, the absence of a properly drafted will can turn one person’s passing into many people’s legal scramble. If you care about how your memories, assets or wishes are handled after you’re gone — don’t leave it to chance.

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