When James Brown passed away, he had a will, a trust, and an estate worth $100 million. So why did it take nearly 15 years to settle his affairs? The truth is, even with documents in place, poor planning, outdated terms, and family conflicts can send any estate into chaos—especially when intellectual property is involved. Here’s what happened to James Brown’s estate, and how you can avoid the same mistakes.

When Aretha Franklin’s handwritten will was discovered in her couch cushions, it sparked years of courtroom drama—and a lesson for all of us. In Nebraska, valid wills need more than good intentions. Here’s what you need to know about why a will scribbled on paper (and stuffed under a cushion) probably won’t cut it.

Even a Hollywood legend can get estate planning wrong. Gene Hackman’s outdated will, lack of backups, and missing trust left his $80 million estate in legal limbo—and his family in chaos. If you’re assuming your old will still works or that your spouse will outlive you, this is your reminder: estate planning isn’t something to set and forget. Here’s what went wrong, and how to make sure your plan actually does what it’s supposed to.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone who wants to make sure their loved ones are protected and their wishes are honored. From naming guardians for your children to avoiding costly probate, this post breaks down why estate planning matters, what tools you might need, and how to get started with a plan that actually works for you.