We all know we should have a will. It’s one of those things that sits on our mental to-do list, right next to “organize the garage” and “start that exercise routine.” But unlike those other tasks, procrastinating on estate planning can have devastating consequences for the people you love most.
When Icons Fall: The Prince Estate Debacle
If you think estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy or the elderly, consider this sobering example: Prince Rogers Nelson, the legendary musician behind hits like “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry,” died in 2016 at the age of 57. Despite an estate valued at approximately $156 million, Prince died without a will.
The result? A legal catastrophe that should serve as a wake-up call to us all.
The Six-Year Battle
Without a will to guide the distribution of his assets, Prince’s estate descended into chaos. Dozens of people emerged claiming to be heirs—siblings, half-siblings, and even individuals alleging they were Prince’s secret children. The court had to conduct DNA tests and painstakingly verify family relationships.
The probate process dragged on for six excruciating years. During that time, family members fought in court, lawyers racked up enormous fees, and Prince’s legacy was tied up in red tape. By the time the estate was finally settled, roughly half of its value—over $80 million—had been consumed by taxes and legal expenses.
Eighty. Million. Dollars.
That’s money that could have gone to Prince’s family, funded music education programs, or supported causes he cared about. Instead, it disappeared into the machinery of the legal system.
What Does “Dying Intestate” Actually Mean?
When someone dies “intestate,” it simply means they passed away without a valid will. When this happens, state law—not your personal wishes—determines what happens to everything you own.
Each state has its own “intestacy laws” that create a one-size-fits-all formula for distributing assets. Typically, these laws prioritize spouses and biological children, then parents, then siblings, and so on down the family tree.
Who Gets Left Out?
Here’s the problem: state intestacy laws don’t account for the complexity of modern families and relationships. When you die without a will:
- Unmarried partners receive nothing, even if you’ve been together for decades
- Stepchildren you helped raise may be excluded
- Close friends who were like family get nothing
- Charities and causes you supported receive zero
- Specific wishes about who gets what are ignored
Your favorite niece who you always said should get your grandmother’s ring? The state doesn’t care about that promise. The charity you volunteered with for years? Not in the equation.
The Hidden Costs of Dying Without a Will
Beyond the obvious financial drain, dying intestate creates additional burdens:
Family Conflict
Without clear instructions, family members may disagree about what you “would have wanted.” Long-buried resentments can surface, turning grief into animosity.
Delays and Uncertainty
Probate can take years when there’s no will, leaving your loved ones in limbo—unable to access funds they might need, unable to move forward with their lives.
Loss of Control
You lose all say in who manages your estate, who cares for your minor children, and how your assets are divided.
Unnecessary Expenses
Court fees, legal costs, and administrative expenses multiply when there’s no clear roadmap to follow.
You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Need a Will
One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that it’s only for wealthy people. Wrong. If you own anything—a home, a car, a bank account, family heirlooms, or even digital assets—you need a will.
More importantly, if you have people you care about, you need a will. It’s not about the size of your estate; it’s about making things easier for the people you leave behind.
Founded by a nurse attorney and with offices in Acton, Andover, and Sudbury, Massachusetts, Generations Law Group helps families navigate the complex areas of estate planning and elder law to inform and protect loved ones of every generation.
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