Actor Val Kilmer’s death in April 2025 brings attention to estate planning challenges that can affect people from all walks of life. While Kilmer was a well-known celebrity, the issues raised by his passing—like managing real estate in multiple states, determining the fate of digital assets, and incorporating charitable giving to build a legacy and reduce taxes—are also highly relevant to everyday individuals. These include those with out-of-state vacation homes, older unmarried clients who can’t benefit from spousal legal protections, and younger creatives with valuable digital portfolios.

Read on to explore key estate planning lessons from Val Kilmer’s case.

At the time of his passing on March 21, 2025, George Foreman’s estate was estimated at $300 million. Surprisingly, the majority of his wealth didn’t come from his boxing career, but from his entrepreneurial success, most notably the widespread popularity of the George Foreman Grill. Unlike many celebrities, Foreman was known for his down-to-earth persona and strong connection with the public. That same relatability extended to his estate planning journey, which included navigating the complexities of multiple marriages, a large blended family, and adopted children. Read on to explore how Foreman’s experience offers valuable insights into estate planning.

When Regis Philbin passed away in 2020, he left behind an estimated $150 million estate, likely divided among his wife, Joy, and his children. He had four children: Danny (who passed away in 2014) and Amy from his first marriage, and daughters Joanna and Jennifer with Joy. Although much of his wealth came from his long career as a talk and game show host, court records and estate documents reveal that he also left behind millions in other assets. Read on to uncover key estate planning takeaways from Regis Philbin’s legacy.

The newly enacted "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) increases the standard deduction while placing new limits on many common itemized deductions. However, it also opens the door to strategic tax planning opportunities. Irrevocable non-grantor trusts, in particular, can offer clients a way to shift income, preserve deductions, and boost charitable giving. Explore how to guide your clients through these changes in our latest blog.

Recent legislation has provided welcome clarity for estate and gift tax planning: the federal exemption is set to increase to $15 million in 2026, avoiding the anticipated drop to around $7 million. While this higher exemption eases the urgency to make large gifts right away, it also creates an opportunity to streamline previous strategies, reassess existing trusts, and adopt a more flexible planning approach. Discover how to help your clients navigate these changes effectively.

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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