Prince: No Will, No Peace (What His Estate Mess Can Teach You About Planning in Nebraska)
When Prince died in 2016, he left behind more than an iconic music legacy—he left behind an estate worth roughly $150 million. What he didn’t leave was a will. And what followed was nearly six years of legal battles, millions in probate costs, and intense family conflict.
It’s a sobering reminder that wealth, privacy, and talent don’t automatically translate to preparedness. And if someone like Prince could miss this step, what does that mean for the rest of us?
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a will in Nebraska, the answer is almost always yes. But more than that, you need a plan.
Why Dying Without a Will Is a Problem
Without a will, Prince’s estate was left to the laws of intestacy in Minnesota—just as it would be in Nebraska. That meant the court decided who received his assets. Distant relatives became legal heirs. Multiple people came forward claiming to be part of his family. And because no one had clear authority, family members spent years fighting over the music catalog, the estate’s value, and who got to be in charge. Some heirs passed away before the case was resolved.
This isn’t just a celebrity issue. In Nebraska, if you die without a will, your assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. These laws follow a rigid formula, which doesn’t account for the actual relationships or preferences you may have had.
For example:
If you’re in a long-term, unmarried relationship, your partner will inherit nothing under Nebraska law.
If you have children from a previous relationship, or a blended family, intestacy laws may create tension between spouses and children.
Estranged family members may still receive a share, regardless of your current relationship.
The law doesn’t ask what you would have wanted—it just follows a default path.
What Is Probate, and Why Does It Matter?
Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death. In Nebraska, this includes validating a will (if one exists), notifying heirs and creditors, paying off debts, and distributing assets. Without a valid estate plan, probate can quickly become time-consuming, public, and expensive.
Even small estates can face months of delays and conflict if there’s no clear direction. And for families already dealing with grief, probate can add unnecessary emotional and financial strain.
A Nebraska probate attorney can help guide families through this process, but the best step you can take is planning ahead—so your loved ones don’t have to rely on the court to make decisions for you.
What Estate Planning Actually Protects
Creating a will isn’t just about passing on money. It’s about passing on clarity. It’s about naming guardians for children, choosing who you trust to manage things, and sparing your family from conflict or confusion.
Depending on your situation, a Nebraska estate plan may include:
A Last Will and Testament – to name beneficiaries, guardians, and an executor
Revocable Living Trust – to avoid probate, protect privacy, and streamline asset distribution
Powers of Attorney – to allow trusted people to manage your finances or health care if you become incapacitated
Advance Directives – to make your medical wishes clear
Beneficiary Designations – on retirement accounts, life insurance, or bank accounts, which override the will
These aren’t just legal documents. They’re guardrails—meant to keep your loved ones out of court, out of conflict, and in alignment with your wishes.
Learn From Prince—Plan Ahead
Prince was known for his control over his image, his art, and his privacy. But without a will, all of that control was lost. His estate became a spectacle. His family ended up in court. And millions of dollars were spent on legal and administrative fees that could have gone to the people he cared about.
Don’t let that happen to your family. You don’t need to be wealthy or famous to need an estate plan. You just need people you care about—and a desire to make things easier for them when the time comes.
Final Thoughts
Estate planning isn’t about how much you have. It’s about making sure what matters most is protected—your family, your values, your legacy. In Nebraska, that can start with a simple will or extend to a more comprehensive plan.
If you’re not sure what’s right for your situation, I’d be happy to help you figure that out. Contact me at 402-259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com to start the conversation.