Prince: No Will, No Peace (What His Estate Mess Can Teach You About Planning in Nebraska)
The legendary Prince died in 2016, leaving behind an estimated $150 million estate—and no will.
What he didn’t leave was a plan. And the result? Years of probate drama, family conflict, court hearings, and tens of millions of dollars eaten up by probate and administration costs—including legal fees, court expenses, and taxes. What should have been a smooth transition of wealth and legacy became a cautionary tale.
If someone that wealthy, that private, and that intentional about his art and image could miss this step—what does that mean for the rest of us?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need a will in Nebraska?” the answer is almost always yes. A clear, thoughtful Nebraska estate plan isn’t just about money. It’s about direction. It’s about protection. And it’s about peace of mind—for you and the people you care about most.
Prince’s case dragged on for nearly six years. With no will, Minnesota’s intestacy laws kicked in to determine who got what. That meant distant relatives became legal heirs. Multiple people came forward claiming to be related. Family members spent years fighting over control of his music catalog, estate management, and valuations. Several heirs died before the case was ever resolved.
Here in Nebraska, the same thing happens—just on a smaller (but no less stressful) scale. If you die without a will, Nebraska’s intestacy laws rigidly decide who inherits your estate. And while that might sound fine in theory, it can unravel quickly in real life—especially with blended families, long-term partners, or estranged relatives. The law offers no nuance, no personal discretion. It doesn’t ask, “Is this what you wanted?”
For example, your unmarried partner of 10 years? They get nothing. Meanwhile, a sibling you haven’t spoken to in decades might legally inherit your assets.
This is where working with a Nebraska probate attorney matters. Because probate isn’t just paperwork—it’s a court-supervised process that involves legal filings, public notices, debt settlement, court timelines, and sometimes, family conflict. Without a plan in place, your loved ones could be navigating it for months or even years, all while grieving.
A solid Nebraska estate planning strategy gives your family clarity, reduces tension, and protects against the kind of drawn-out disaster Prince’s family had to endure. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to exist.
That might mean a simple will. It could include a revocable trust, especially if you want to avoid probate altogether. Powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations—these aren’t just legal checkboxes. They’re tools to protect your people from confusion, conflict, and courtrooms.
Estate planning isn’t about how much you have. It’s about making sure what matters most is cared for.
Ready to talk about what that could look like for you and your family? Let’s make a plan that fits. Contact me at 402-259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com.