Actor Val Kilmer’s passing in April 2025 highlights estate planning issues that can affect almost anyone. Although Kilmer was a celebrity, these issues—including managing real estate in more than one state, deciding what happens with digital assets, and using charitable gifts to leave a legacy and help reduce estate taxes—are concerns that can be especially important for individuals who have an out-of-state summer home or cottage, a creative or online-persona-based career, or a favorite charity they want to support after their death. Read more to discover lessons learned from Val Kilmer.

Born into an impoverished Houston household in 1949, George Foreman lived a rags-to-riches tale of pure Americana: an Olympic gold medalist, a heavyweight boxing champion, an ordained minister, a global pitchman, and a father to a dozen children. Unlike many famous celebrities, Foreman was considered relatable and connected to his audience. Read more to learn about how that relatability extended to many of the estate planning issues he had to navigate as someone with multiple marriages, a large blended family, and adopted children.

Regis Philbin, the Guinness World Record holder for the most hours on US television, was a familiar face in millions of homes for decades. By the time he retired from his show Live with Regis and Kelly in 2011, he had spent more than 16,740 hours in front of the camera. While Philbin accumulated most of his net worth as the host of game and talk shows, his estate planning documents and court records show that he also left millions in other assets behind. Read more to discover the lessons learned from Regis Philbin. 

The recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) raises the standard deduction and limits many common itemized deductions, but it also creates new opportunities for smart tax planning. Irrevocable non-grantor trusts can help many individuals (especially those with moderate wealth) shift income, preserve deductions, and even enhance charitable giving.

Recent legislation has brought clarity to estate and gift tax planning. The federal exemption will rise to $15 million in 2026, avoiding the feared rollback to roughly $7 million. While the higher exemption reduces pressure to make large gifts immediately, it also opens the door to simplify prior strategies, reevaluate existing trusts, and plan more flexibly.

This information is for educational purposes only and cannot be considered legal advice, nor does the receipt of this newsletter create an attorney client relationship.

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