Some People Have No Will, Some Have Too Many

 Posted on December 16, 2012 in high asset estates

Some people still consider wills to be for the wealthy and rich, although there are many reasons to get a will made even if you are not a millionaire. On the flip side of that coin we have Thomas Kinkade, a millionaire, whose estate is being fought over, because he left more than one will. Forbes reported a story on this legal battle earlier this year.

Kinkade, who was a painter, died last April from an accidental overdose of alcohol and Valium. The 54-year-old was separated from his wife of 30 years, and he also had a new girlfriend, who he was living with. This is where the story gets interesting, because both the wife and the girlfriend have made claims for the estate.

Kinkade's girlfriend, Amy Pinto, has said she is entitled to the former family home in Monte Sereno, $10 million in cash, and some of the artist's work. To add fuel to the fire, Pinto was excluded from Kinkade's funeral because of the court battle, making the case all the more dramatic in court.

Both women have applied for probate, with Nanette Kinkade having a will from the year 2000, and Pinto bringing two handwritten documents to court. Pinto claims these documents leave $66.3 million worth of assets directed to her.

This case is a prime example of why properly drafted estate planning documents are important. When you have your documents written with the help of estate planning attorneys, there will not be a need to fight in court after you pass away. If you need help with your estate planning documents, contact our DuPage County, Illinois estate planning attorneys today.